Creamed Cucumber Slices: A Refreshing and Elegant Side Dish

Creamed cucumber slices are a classic side dish that offers a refreshing and elegant counterpoint to richer main courses. This simple yet flavorful recipe transforms humble cucumbers into a creamy, comforting, and surprisingly sophisticated dish. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a light lunch, creamed cucumbers are a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a delicious and successful outcome.

Why You’ll Love This Creamed Cucumber Recipe

* **Refreshing:** The coolness of the cucumbers paired with the creamy sauce creates a truly refreshing experience, especially enjoyable during warmer months.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Creamed cucumbers complement a wide variety of main dishes, from grilled meats and fish to vegetarian options.
* **Elegant:** Despite its simplicity, this dish presents beautifully and adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cucumbers are generally affordable, making this a cost-effective way to add a delicious side dish to your menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cucumbers:** The star of the show! English cucumbers or garden cucumbers work well. If using garden cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove some of the seeds, depending on their size and maturity. About 2-3 medium cucumbers will be needed.
* **Butter:** Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Use unsalted butter to control the sodium content.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used to thicken the cream sauce. You can substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed.
* **Milk or Cream:** Provides the creamy base for the sauce. Whole milk will create a lighter sauce, while heavy cream will result in a richer, more decadent dish. You can also use half-and-half for a middle ground.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Optional):** Adds tanginess and creaminess. Use full-fat for the best results. This is optional, but highly recommended for added depth of flavor.
* **Fresh Dill:** A classic herb that complements the cucumbers perfectly. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can use dried dill, but use sparingly (about 1/2 teaspoon for every tablespoon of fresh dill).
* **White Vinegar or Lemon Juice:** Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the cream sauce. Adjust to taste.
* **Sugar:** A pinch of sugar helps to enhance the sweetness of the cucumbers and balance the acidity. Omit if desired.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the dish. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the cucumbers and dill.
* **Sharp Knife:** For slicing the cucumbers and chopping the dill.
* **Large Skillet or Sauté Pan:** For cooking the sauce and cucumbers.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For smoothly incorporating the flour into the melted butter.
* **Spatula or Wooden Spoon:** For stirring the sauce and cucumbers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

1. **Wash the Cucumbers:** Thoroughly wash the cucumbers under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. If using garden cucumbers with thicker skins, peel them using a vegetable peeler. English cucumbers usually don’t require peeling unless the skin is particularly tough.
2. **Slice the Cucumbers:** Slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. You can use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices if you have one. Thinner slices will cook faster and absorb the sauce better. If using large garden cucumbers, you may want to remove some of the seeds by running a spoon down the center of each slice.
3. **Salt the Cucumbers (Optional):** For drier creamed cucumbers, you can salt the sliced cucumbers lightly and let them sit in a colander for about 30 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture. Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step. This step is especially recommended for cucumbers that seem very watery.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Be careful not to burn the butter. If the butter starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
2. **Add the Flour:** Once the butter is melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. The roux should be smooth and pale golden in color. Avoid browning the flour too much, as this can affect the flavor of the sauce.
3. **Gradually Add the Milk or Cream:** Slowly pour in the milk or cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Start with a small amount of liquid and gradually add the rest, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. If lumps do form, continue whisking vigorously until they dissolve. A whisk with a ball end can be particularly effective for this step.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk or cream to thin it out.
5. **Stir in Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (Optional):** Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt (if using). This will add tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. Make sure the sauce is not too hot when adding the sour cream or yogurt, as it may curdle. Stir until the sour cream or yogurt is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. **Season the Sauce:** Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), and white vinegar or lemon juice. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste. The sauce should be well-seasoned but not overly salty or acidic. Remember that the flavor will intensify slightly as the sauce cooks with the cucumbers.

Step 3: Cook the Cucumbers

1. **Add the Cucumbers to the Sauce:** Gently fold the sliced cucumbers into the cream sauce. Make sure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the sauce.
2. **Cook the Cucumbers:** Cook the cucumbers in the sauce over low heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. The cucumbers should retain some of their crunch and not become mushy. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the cucumber slices and the heat of your stove. Stir gently occasionally to prevent the cucumbers from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. **Stir in the Dill:** Stir in the fresh dill just before serving. This will add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish. If using dried dill, add it earlier in the cooking process (along with the other seasonings) to allow it to rehydrate and release its flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Serve Immediately:** Creamed cucumber slices are best served immediately while they are still warm and the cucumbers are tender-crisp. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so serving right away will ensure the best texture.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of black pepper for visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Creamed Cucumbers

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Cucumbers:** The quality of the cucumbers will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish. Choose firm, unblemished cucumbers with smooth skin.
* **Don’t Overcook the Cucumbers:** The key to perfect creamed cucumbers is to cook them until they are tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they reach the desired consistency.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the sauce frequently and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.
* **Use Fresh Dill:** Fresh dill adds a bright, vibrant flavor that is essential to this dish. If you can’t find fresh dill, use dried dill sparingly.
* **Make it Ahead (Partially):** You can prepare the cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the sauce gently and add the cucumbers.
* **For a Lighter Version:** Use skim milk or almond milk instead of whole milk or cream, and omit the sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use a smaller amount of butter or a butter substitute.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations and Additions

* **Onion or Garlic:** Add finely chopped onion or minced garlic to the skillet when melting the butter for added flavor.
* **Other Herbs:** Experiment with other herbs such as parsley, chives, or tarragon.
* **Different Vinegars:** Try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, for a different flavor profile.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Hot Sauce:** A dash of hot sauce can add a kick of heat to the dish.
* **Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding the cucumbers for a heartier dish.
* **Bacon:** Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it over the creamed cucumbers for a savory twist.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed cucumber slices make an excellent side dish for a variety of main courses, including:

* **Grilled Meats:** Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or sausages.
* **Roasted Chicken or Turkey:** A refreshing complement to roasted poultry.
* **Fish:** Pairs well with grilled, baked, or pan-fried fish such as salmon, cod, or tilapia.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Serve with vegetarian dishes such as quiche, frittata, or veggie burgers.
* **Sandwiches and Wraps:** A light and refreshing addition to sandwiches and wraps.
* **Salads:** Can be served as part of a larger salad platter.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 100-150
* Fat: 7-12g
* Saturated Fat: 4-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 2-5g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Enjoy this delightful and easy creamed cucumber recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to showcase the simple beauty of fresh ingredients.