Stuffed cucumbers with smoked meat

Stuffed cucumbers with smoked meat - a delicious recipe, full of flavor and tradition

Stuffed cucumbers with smoked meat are a dish that perfectly combines the intense flavors of smoked meat with the freshness of vegetables. This recipe is not only an excellent choice for a family lunch but also a way to bring a touch of originality to your menu. Moreover, it is a simple, quick, and surprisingly satisfying recipe, perfect for those who want to explore cooking with basic ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 350 g smoked chicken breast (or smoked beef or pork)
- 8-10 larger gherkin cucumbers
- 3-4 tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 50 g rice
- 50 g tomato and red pepper paste (ketchup)
- 300 ml broth
- 150 ml sour cream
- a few sprigs of parsley (or dill)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 50 ml oil
- salt, pepper, paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar

Recipe preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing the cucumbers well. Cut a straight end off each cucumber and peel the skin very thinly, leaving some green stripes for a pleasant appearance. Use a special tool for removing cores or a small teaspoon to scoop out the flesh from inside the cucumbers, keeping a thin shell of about 3-4 mm. This will allow the filling to integrate perfectly into the vegetable.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with hot oil. When it turns golden, add the tomato and pepper paste, then a little water and the rice. Season with pepper. Be careful with the salt, as the smoked meat you will use is already salty. Let the mixture reduce slightly until the rice absorbs some of the liquid.

Step 3: Adding the smoked meat
Cut 200-250 g of the smoked meat into small cubes and mix them with the hot composition. You can keep the rest of the smoked meat to slice thinly, which you will use at the bottom of the pot. Add paprika (either sweet or hot, depending on your preference) and the chopped greens. Now, fill the cucumbers with the obtained mixture. If there is any filling left, you can fill 1-2 tomatoes as well, then slice the remaining tomatoes.

Step 4: Cooking the stuffed cucumbers
Place the stuffed cucumbers (and tomatoes, if filled) in the pot with the slices of smoked meat on the bottom. Interleave the tomato slices between them. Add enough water and broth to cover them. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes.

Step 5: Finalizing the dish
After the cucumbers have boiled, prepare a mixture of sour cream, flour, and a little broth. Thin it with water and pour it over the cucumbers, stirring vigorously in the pot to ensure the sauce is homogeneous. Let it boil for another 2-3 bubbles for the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Serving
The stuffed cucumbers have a surprising taste, being a combination between zucchini and kohlrabi. On the plate, arrange 2-3 stuffed cucumbers, a few pieces of tomato, the sauce, and garnish with sour cream and fresh greens. Enjoy your meal!

Useful tips:
- Choosing ingredients: Choose larger gherkin cucumbers, which are easier to stuff. The smoked meat can vary according to your preferences. You can use pork, beef, or even smoked chicken.
- Variations: You can add chopped olives or mushrooms to the filling for an even more complex taste. You can also experiment with different types of greens, such as basil or oregano.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe offers a good balance between proteins and vegetables, having about 400 calories per serving. Cucumbers are low in calories and full of water, making them ideal for a healthy diet.
- Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use brown rice? Yes, but the cooking time will be extended.
2. How can I enhance the flavor? By adding spices such as garlic or chili, you can intensify the taste of the dish.
3. What can I serve alongside this dish? A fresh green salad or mashed potatoes are excellent accompaniments.

These are the stuffed cucumbers with smoked meat, a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for a family meal or a quick lunch. Bring traditional flavor to your table by cooking with love and attention to detail!

 Ingredients: For 4 people: 350 g smoked chicken breast, smoked beef or pork, 8-10 larger gherkins, 3-4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 50 g rice, 50 g tomato paste and red pepper (ketchup), 300 ml broth, 150 ml sour cream, a few sprigs of parsley (dill), 2 tablespoons flour, 50 ml oil, salt, pepper, paprika, 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.