Latvian Cucumber and Onion Salad

This delightful Latvian cucumber and onion salad is a refreshing dish, perfect for any time of the year. Known for its simple yet aromatic flavors, this salad brings together the crispness of cucumbers with the pungency of onions, balanced by a tangy marinade. Dill, with its unique earthy and anise-like taste, adds depth to the dish, while coriander seeds add a hint of citrus. The olive oil and vinegar dressing elevates the overall taste, creating a savory blend that lingers on the palate. This versatile salad can be served as a side dish or a refreshing appetizer. It's especially great during warm months as a cooling delight. What's more, its preparation allows it to be preserved, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish. Enjoy the taste of Latvian traditions with each bite. This is a dish your family and guests will savor and undoubtedly remember.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3 kg cucumbers
1 kg onions
300 g dill

Spices and Seasoning

20 g salt
15 g sugar
Coriander seeds

Dressing

200 ml 9% vinegar
200 ml olive oil

Preparation Time

Total Time: 24 hours and 30 minutes

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marination Time: 24 hours

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers and peeling the onions.
Slice the cucumbers and onions into thin rings for uniformity.
Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl.
Finely chop the dill and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
Sprinkle the salt, sugar, and a generous pinch of coriander seeds over the mixture.
Pour the olive oil and vinegar over the ingredients in the bowl.
Mix everything carefully, ensuring the cucumbers and onions are well-coated with the marinade.
Taste the marinade and adjust by adding more vinegar or spices if necessary.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, allowing it to marinate at room temperature for 24 hours.
Note that marination time enhances the flavors, so this step is crucial for the best taste.
After marination, transfer the salad into a large pot.
Heat gently until the cucumbers change color, indicating they're cooked but still crisp.
Sterilize jars by boiling them to ensure they are germ-free.
Spoon the hot salad into these sterile jars, filling them to the brim.
Seal each jar with a lid, making sure it is airtight.
Turn the jars upside down, allowing them to cool to room temperature.
This cooling process ensures a vacuum seal in the jars.
Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cellar.
The cucumber and onion salad can be stored like this, developing its flavors further, ready for winter.
Serve chilled as a delicious snack or side, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Tips

Substitute dill with parsley for a slightly different taste.
Ensure cucumbers are fresh and firm for optimum crunchiness.
Use a mandolin slicer for even and quick slicing of cucumbers and onions.

Nutritions

Calories: 50 per serving
Protein: 1g
Fats: 3g
Carbohydrates: 5g

Variations

For a spicy twist, add red chili flakes or fresh chili slices to the marinade.
Replace coriander seeds with mustard seeds for a sharper taste.
Use apple cider vinegar for a mellower acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a refreshing side alongside grilled meats.
Pair with rustic bread for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Garnish with extra dill and coriander seeds for added visual appeal.

Best Places

The Dill Room - A cozy spot known for traditional Latvian flavors with a modern twist.
Location: 5 Lilijas St, Riga, Latvia

Cucumber Haven - Renowned for its farm-to-table approach focusing on fresh produce.
Location: 12 Anton St, Vilnius, Lithuania

Herb & Vine - A chic destination with a menu celebrating herbal ingredients in every dish.
Location: 7 Floral Ave, Tallinn, Estonia

Nordic Flavors Bistro - Offers a menu enlivened with dishes showcasing Northern Europe's culinary heritage.
Location: 6 Fjord Rd, Oslo, Norway

The Pickling Pot - Specializes in artisanal pickling, bringing out rich flavors in simple ingredients.
Location: 14 Quay St, Stockholm, Sweden

Salatoga - Famous for its varied salad menu paired with house-made dressings.
Location: 2 Green Way, Helsinki, Finland

Crisp & Crunch - Known for innovative salads that combine textures and tastes.
Location: 8 Market St, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Vine Leaf - Elegant dining with a menu influenced by regional garden offerings.
Location: 10 Grove Ln, Prague, Czech Republic

Bistro Dill Delight - Celebrated for incorporating dill creatively across its savory menu.
Location: 3 Oak Ave, Warsaw, Poland

Culinary Herbs Lodge - A culinary destination for those seeking herb-infused dishes.
Location: 1 Meadow St, Berlin, Germany