Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

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Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs) – Peeled (optional) and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 1 medium onion – Sliced into thin rings (You can use red onion for a milder, sweeter flavor or yellow onion for a more savory kick)
  • 3 medium tomatoes – Cut into wedges or bite-sized chunks (Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are best for a more solid texture, but feel free to use any variety)
  • 1/2 cup vinegar – You can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar depending on your preference for acidity. Apple cider vinegar adds a milder, fruity flavor.
  • 1/4 cup sugar – Adjust to taste. You can reduce the sugar for a more tart dish, or add more if you prefer a sweeter marinade.
  • 1 cup water – Helps balance the acidity and sweetness of the vinegar.
  • 2 teaspoons salt – Regular table salt or kosher salt both work fine.
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a nice bite, but pre-ground works in a pinch.
  • 1/4 cup oil – You can use a mild vegetable oil or olive oil. Olive oil adds a richer flavor, while vegetable oil keeps the flavor neutral.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (for an extra savory punch)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill (dill complements the cucumbers wonderfully and adds a fresh herbaceous touch)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
  • 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced (adds crunch and color)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds or fennel seeds (for a unique, aromatic flavor)

Directions:

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables:
    • Cucumbers: Start by peeling the cucumbers if you prefer a smoother texture. If you like some crunch and don’t mind the skin, leave it on! Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If your cucumbers are particularly large or seedy, you can cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before slicing.
    • Onions: Peel the onion and slice it into thin rings. If you find raw onions too strong, soak the rings in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the marinade. This helps mellow the flavor and reduces the sharpness.
    • Tomatoes: Cut your tomatoes into wedges or chunks. If you’re using larger tomatoes, cut them into quarters, or halve them if they’re small. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they marinate evenly.
  2. Make the Marinade:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar and salt dissolve. This is your base marinade, and the balance of sugar and vinegar is what gives this dish its sweet-and-sour flavor.
    • Optional Flavor Boost: For an added dimension of flavor, you can stir in minced garlic, dill, or any other optional ingredients mentioned earlier.
  3. Combine Vegetables with the Marinade:
    • Add your prepared cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the vegetables to make sure they are all evenly coated with the liquid. You can use your hands for this, or tongs to avoid bruising the vegetables.
    • If you’re adding any additional ingredients (like peppers or seeds), add them in now and mix gently.
  4. Chill and Marinate:
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together. Ideally, let it marinate for 4-6 hours or even overnight for the best flavor.
    • If you have time, give it a stir halfway through marinating to make sure the vegetables are evenly soaking up the marinade.
  5. Serving:
    • After marinating, the vegetables should have softened slightly but still retain some crunch, especially the cucumbers.
    • Stir well before serving to redistribute the marinade. The vinegar will have absorbed into the vegetables, giving them a tangy flavor and an extra crunch.
    • Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish at BBQs, picnics, or alongside grilled meats and sandwiches. It’s a great accompaniment to heavy meals or even as a standalone light dish.

Storage:

  • Store any leftover marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days and only gets better as it continues to marinate.
  • The flavors will continue to develop, but the cucumbers may soften over time, so it’s best to consume within a few days for optimal crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

  • BBQ Side Dish: This dish pairs excellently with grilled chicken, steak, or pork. Its tangy and sweet flavors balance the smokiness of BBQ.
  • Sandwiches or Wraps: Spoon some of the marinated vegetables into wraps or sandwiches for added freshness.
  • Tacos or Burritos: Use it as a topping for tacos or burritos, adding a crunchy, tangy layer to your dish.

Enjoy your refreshing, easy-to-make Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes! This simple recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a vibrant and healthy side dish with minimal prep.

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