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–+ servings
Spiced Cucumber Spears with a Sizzling Tarka – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Spiced Cucumber Spears with a Sizzling Tarka

A refreshing and crunchy cucumber snack elevated with a sizzling hot 'tarka' or tempering of spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves. A perfect light bite or vibrant side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 2 serving
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small seedless cucumbers, Persian or Armenian recommended
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.5 g / 0.05 oz) salt, or to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 g / 0.02 oz) ground roasted cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 g / 0.02 oz) chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) olive or peanut oil
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 g / 0.02 oz) whole brown mustard seeds
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.5 g / 0.02 oz) whole cumin seeds
  • 5–6 fresh curry leaves
  • For the best texture, use firm, seedless cucumbers like Persian, Armenian, or English varieties.
  • Be quick when making the tarka! Mustard seeds pop in seconds, so have your other spices ready to go to prevent burning.
  • For the most aromatic flavor, toast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan until fragrant before grinding them yourself.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers and slice them in half lengthwise.
  2. Arrange them on a serving platter with the cut side facing up.
  3. Season the Base: Drizzle the lemon juice as evenly as possible over the cucumber halves. Follow with a uniform sprinkle of salt, ground roasted cumin, and chili powder.
  4. Make the Tarka: Heat the oil in a small pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. They will begin to pop within seconds. Immediately add the whole cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 2-3 seconds.
  6. Finish and Serve: Toss in the fresh curry leaves, give it a quick stir, and immediately turn off the heat. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon the hot oil and spices over the prepared cucumbers.
  7. Serve right away and enjoy the crunch!
  8. Don't have curry leaves? A few fresh, small basil leaves can be used as a substitute for a different but delicious aroma.

Nutrition

Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 7.7gProtein: 1.4gFat: 5.4g

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