Cucumbers stuffed with sardine butter

Stuffed cucumbers with sardine butter

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a quick and delicious appetizer, stuffed cucumbers with sardine butter are the perfect choice! This simple recipe is not only tasty but also full of freshness, offering a wonderful contrast between the crunchy texture of the cucumbers and the creaminess of the sardine butter.

Ingredients:
- 4 medium cucumbers
- 200 g sardines in oil (you can also use marinated sardines for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (optional, for an extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparing the cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers well under cold running water. Choose firm cucumbers with smooth skin to achieve crunchy appetizers. Using a sharp knife, cut each cucumber into pieces about 3 cm long. Then, using a small spoon or knife, remove the seeds, being careful not to break the walls of the cucumbers. This step is important to create a generous space for the filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, place the drained sardines and the butter at room temperature. Using a mixer or a fork, mix well until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add the lemon juice, which will give a fresh taste to the filling, and the crushed garlic clove (if you choose to use it). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

3. Filling the cucumbers:
Using a teaspoon or piping bag, fill each piece of cucumber with the sardine and butter mixture, making sure they are well filled but not overflowing. Arrange the stuffed cucumbers on a platter.

4. Chilling:
I recommend letting the cucumbers chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to achieve a more pleasant texture.

5. Serving:
At serving time, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color. These stuffed cucumbers are ideal to be served as an appetizer at a party or as a healthy snack between meals.

Useful tips:
- If you want a lighter version, you can use cottage cheese instead of butter and sardines, adding herbs to your liking.
- To add a spicy note, you can incorporate some chopped chili into the filling.
- These appetizers can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Stuffed cucumbers with sardine butter are not only a tasty choice but also a smart way to bring a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients to your table. Enjoy them with a glass of white wine or a cold lemonade for an unforgettable culinary experience!

 Ingredients: 2 smaller cucumbers, 25 g sardines (you can also use 50 g) drained from the can, 300 g butter, 1/2 lemon, a few slices of radish for garnish, salt, white pepper.