2 medium-size (about 1 1/4pounds) cucumbers, washed and pared
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons vinegar
3 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1. Slice cucumbers thinly into a bowl.
2. Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices.
3. Mix lightly and set cucumbers aside for 1 hour.
4. Meanwhile, mix vinegar, water, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, pepper and garlic together and set aside.
5. Squeeze cucumber slices, a few at a time (discarding liquid), and put into a bowl. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and toss lightly. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon paprika onto cucumbers.
6. Chill the salad in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
6 TO 8 SERVINGS
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream: Follow recipe for Cucumber Salad. Blend in 1 cup thick sour cream after the vinegar mixture.
Cucumber Salad with Onions: Follow recipe for Cucumber Salad or variation. Omit garlic. Cut off root ends from 3 or 4 fresh green onions or scallions. Trim green tops down to 2- or 3-inches, removing any wilted or bruised parts; peel and rinse. Slice onions by holding on hard surface and cutting across all with sharp knife. Add sliced onions to cucumber slices before adding the vinegar mixture.