Steps by steps making Cucumber Tapas

Cucumber Tapas

The "Cucumber Tapas" offers a fresh and vibrant taste of Spain, making it an essential dish for any tapas spread or summer table. Key ingredients include crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a splash of sherry vinegar, creating a refreshing and flavorful combination. This dish stands out for its simplicity, letting the coolness of the cucumbers complement the creamy feta cheese, while the sherry vinegar adds a bright and inviting acidity. The result is a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that make "Cucumber Tapas" not just a dish, but a unique culinary experience. It embodies the spirit of Spanish cuisine, where minimal ingredients are used to produce maximum flavor, offering a taste that is both invigorating and satisfying. Perfect for sharing, "Cucumber Tapas" brings a dash of Mediterranean elegance to any gathering, inviting everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and company.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 4 people

Calories 365 kcal

Equipment

• 1 slight triangular

Ingredients

  

• Pinch of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 2 ounces feta cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar
• 2 cucumbers

Instructions

 

• Remove the seeds from cucumbers by slicing them lengthwise.
• 1 cucumber half should be diced into 1⁄4-inch pieces and placed in a small cup.
• Toss in the canola oil, mustard, feta cheese, pepper, and spice to mix. Toss in the oregano and toss once more.
• Remove 1 or 2 thin pieces of peel from underneath each cucumber half with a potato peeler so they don’t tip over.
• Distribute the cucumber-and-feta combination between them.
• Cut cucumbers into 1 1⁄2-inch piece on a slight triangular and serve right away.

Keyword cucumbers, feta cheese, sherry vinegar

Cooking Tips about Cucumber Tapas

• Quality of Ingredients: Given that “Cucumber Tapas” centers around a few simple ingredients (cucumbers, feta cheese, and sherry vinegar), selecting the highest quality you can find is imperative. Fresh, crisp cucumbers and high-quality feta cheese will significantly affect the overall taste and texture of your tapas.
• Preparation of Cucumbers: Thinly slicing the cucumbers ensures they absorb the dressing better and makes for a more delicate bite. If preferred, partially peeling the cucumbers can add an interesting visual contrast and reduce bitterness.
• Balancing Flavors: The sharpness of the sherry vinegar should complement, not overpower, the natural flavors of the cucumber and the saltiness of the feta cheese. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste, keeping in mind the mildness of the cucumbers.
• Marinating for Depth: Allowing the cucumbers to marinate briefly in the sherry vinegar can deepen the dish’s flavors. This step, while optional, can add a nuanced acidity that brightens the overall taste.
• Herbs and Spices: Depending on personal preference, you can add fresh herbs like dill or mint to introduce a new flavor dimension that pairs well with the freshness of the cucumber and the tanginess of the feta cheese.
• Presentation: As tapas are as much about presentation as taste, arrange your “Cucumber Tapas” attractively on a platter. Consider using a toothpick to stack the cucumber, cheese, and any additional elements for easy eating and an appealing look.
• Serving Temperature: Chill the cucumbers before assembling the tapas to ensure they offer a cool, refreshing bite. However, the feta cheese should be at a slightly warmer temperature to maintain its creamy texture.
• Pairing: These tapas pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light sangria, balancing the dish’s flavors and making for a delightful eating experience.

Serving suggestions about Cucumber Tapas

• Chilled Plates: Serve the Cucumber Tapas on chilled plates to keep them cool and refreshing, especially important for outdoor or summer dining. The coolness accentuates the crisp texture and fresh taste of the cucumbers.
• Drizzle with Olive Oil and Vinegar: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a splash of sherry vinegar just before serving can elevate the flavors. This adds a richness and a bright tang that complements the cucumber and feta cheese beautifully.
• Sprinkle of Herbs: Garnish with finely chopped dill, mint, or chives to add a layer of freshness and a pop of color. Each herb offers a unique profile that matches well with the overall freshness of the tapas.
• Serving on Skewers: For a fun and easy-to-serve presentation, consider skewering a piece of cucumber, a cube of feta, and then another cucumber piece. It makes for convenient finger food, perfect for social settings.
• Pair with Light Refreshments: Serve alongside light white wines, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a delicate Pinot Grigio, which pair wonderfully with the freshness of the cucumbers and the creamy feta cheese. A non-alcoholic option could be sparkling water garnished with lemon or lime to echo the tapas’ refreshing qualities.
• Add a Crunch Factor: Providing a side of toasted baguette slices or crunchy croutons can add a delightful textural contrast to the Cucumber Tapas. Guests can enjoy the combination of crispiness with the fresh textures of the tapas.
• Small Salad Accompaniment: A small side salad of arugula or mixed greens lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice can complement the tapas without overshadowing their delicate flavors.
• Create a Tapas Spread: To truly embrace the spirit of Spanish dining, serve Cucumber Tapas as part of a larger tapas spread. Include dishes like “Pan con Tomate”, “Boquerones Al Limon”, or “Mini Spanish Omelets” to provide a variety of flavors and textures for guests to enjoy.

Top 5 FAQs about Cucumber Tapas

• What are the key ingredients in Cucumber Tapas? Cucumber Tapas primarily feature crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and a splash of sherry vinegar. These core ingredients come together to create a dish that is both refreshing and rich in flavor, embodying a simple yet sophisticated profile.
• Is there a vegan option for Cucumber Tapas? Yes, Cucumber Tapas can be adapted for a vegan diet by substituting feta cheese with vegan cheese options that have a similar creamy and crumbly texture, ensuring the dish maintains its characteristic flavors.
• How can I ensure my Cucumber Tapas are full of flavor? To maximize the flavor, use fresh, high-quality cucumbers, and premium feta cheese. Also, allow the cucumbers to marinate briefly in the sherry vinegar before assembling the tapas to deepen the flavors, ensuring a bright and invigorating taste.
• What’s the best way to slice the cucumbers for Tapas? For an elegant and delicate bite, thinly slice the cucumbers. You may choose to partially peel them to add visual contrast and reduce any potential bitterness, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish.
• Can Cucumber Tapas be prepared in advance? Cucumber Tapas are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance. Keep them chilled until serving to maintain the cucumbers’ crispness and the feta cheese’s creamy texture. However, avoid lengthy storage to preserve the dish’s optimal freshness and texture.