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Hydration is the key to staying healthy and beating the scorching heat in the summer season. It is crucial to avoid symptoms of heat stroke or even recover from the ailment. While you might think that drinking water will suffice, you need more supplements, electrolytes, and essential nutrients to keep the body running and healthy amid heat waves.
Cucumber is an excellent ingredient to incorporate into your diet and ensure that your meals are rich in fibre and water content. It is a refreshing vegetable that can be added to a salad, smoothie, dip, raita, etc. Below are some refreshing cucumber recipes that every home chef must try.
Cucumber Avocado Salad
While cucumber is rich in magnesium and copper, avocado has folate, healthy fats, and fibre. This salad is ideal for people trying to manage their weight and struggling to get their cravings in control. Soft avocado and crunchy cucumber make the texture of the salad interesting. Prepare a zesty dressing with coriander leaves, lemon juice, salt, red chilli powder, and honey. Each bite will refuel your body with energy and moisture.
Cucumber Shrimp Ceviche
Ceviche is a cold salad comprising thinly sliced fish that has been marinated. The interesting aspect of the recipe is that the ingredients are not cooked. Meat slices are thin enough to get cooked in the acidic marinade, which also kills pathogens, including parasites. You will have to follow the same process with the marination of shrimp with lime juice. Serve it with cucumber, red onion slices, and coriander leaves.
Cucumber Raita
If you are hosting a desi banquet, you need accompaniments with which people are familiar. What is more neighbourly for Indian taste buds than curd tempered with cumin seeds? You can make the condiment more engaging by adding grated cucumber to it. The crunch and noodle-like texture make this side dish inviting and reviving. You can add red chilli powder to the tempering and garnish the raita with coriander and mint leaves.
Cucumber Tzatziki
In Greece, you will be served with tzatziki, a yoghurt and cucumber-based dip. It is creamy, cooling, and calming. It can accompany fiery finger foods, grilled meat, and deep-fried snacks. Enhance it by sprinkling garlic powder, chopped dill, and pepper. In many Lebanese restaurants, it is served with pita bread, but you can also enjoy it with desi creations.
Cucumber & Watermelon Salad
Many people lose their appetite when the temperature crosses the 40°C mark. It’s natural because your body does not need much energy to maintain the internal temperature, and digestion produces heat. However, you still need food to maintain nutrition and hydration. How about whipping up a quick salad comprising watermelon and cucumber? It is rich in nutrients and loaded with hydrating properties.
Cucumber Gazpacho
In Spain, cucumber is used to prepare a hearty bowl of soup. Does it sound weird or interesting? No matter what picture you imagine of this dish, don’t shy away from trying it. Tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are blended together for the base, and its flavour profile is enhanced using fresh herbs and seasoning. It is a simple recipe that you can enjoy with flatbread on the side.
