Cucumber salad with Cottage cheese

Cucumber Cups with Cottage Cheese: a Refreshing and Healthy Appetizer

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the culinary world full of freshness! Today, I will guide you through a delicious and quick recipe: cucumber cups with cottage cheese. This appetizer is not only a healthy choice but also an elegant option for any meal or party. With an appealing look and a refreshing taste, these stuffed cucumber bites will delight all your senses.

The history of this recipe is closely linked to the tradition of using fresh vegetables as a base for easy-to-make appetizers. Cucumber, with its crunchy texture and subtle flavor, has always been a popular ingredient in various dishes, and the combination with cottage cheese adds creaminess and flavor. Let's get started!

Ingredients needed for 6 servings:

- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 container of light cottage cheese (approximately 250 g)
- 1/3 leek, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Helpful tips for ingredients:

- Choose fresh cucumbers with smooth skin and no blemishes to achieve a delicious appetizer.
- Light cottage cheese is an excellent choice for a healthy appetizer, being low in fat and high in protein.
- If you don't have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but the flavor will be more intense, so use it sparingly.
- Leek adds a delicate note, but you can experiment with green onions or red onions, depending on your taste.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers well under cold running water. Use a peeler to peel the skin in strips, leaving some skin intact. This trick not only makes the cucumbers more visually appealing but also easier to eat.

2. Creating the cavities: Cut each cucumber into 3 equal pieces, then scoop them out with a teaspoon, being careful not to pierce through to the end. This will create a small space for the filling. Leave one end intact to maintain their shape.

3. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sliced leek and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix so that the ingredients integrate well but remain slightly grainy for a pleasant texture.

4. Filling the cucumbers: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each piece of cucumber with the cheese mixture. Make sure the filling is well packed, but do not overfill to avoid spilling.

5. Chilling: Arrange the filled cucumber pieces on a platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will help the flavors meld and make the appetizer more refreshing.

6. Serving: Serve the cucumber cups on a platter, possibly garnished with a few sprigs of fresh dill. This appetizer is perfect for snacking or as part of a buffet.

Nutritional benefits:

Cucumber cups with cottage cheese are a healthy appetizer, rich in vitamins and minerals. Cucumber is low in calories, with about 16 calories per 100 g, and is an excellent source of water, contributing to hydration. Cottage cheese provides quality protein and is low in fat, making it ideal for balanced diets. Dill not only adds flavor but also beneficial antioxidants.

Possible variations:

- Add cherry tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the filling for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enrich the mix: You can also add chopped olives or bell peppers for an even richer texture and taste.
- Seasonings: Experiment with spices such as garlic powder or paprika to give the filling a bit more personality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or feta cheese, but the taste will be different and more intense.

2. Can they be prepared a day in advance?
Yes, these appetizers can be prepared a day in advance and store well in the refrigerator.

3. What can I serve cucumber cups with?
This appetizer pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as lemonade or a fruit cocktail. It can also be paired with a glass of dry white wine.

I hope this recipe for cucumber cups with cottage cheese has inspired you to try it at home. It is a simple yet elegant appetizer that will bring a touch of freshness to any meal. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and enjoy the moments spent together!