Spicy Cucumbers

Spicy Cucumbers

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:

1 pound small cucumbers for pickling
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
10 slices ginger, finely shredded
1 red pepper, finely shredded
1/2 cup sesame oil
4 whole dried red chili peppers
1 teaspoon peppercorns
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce


Directions:

Cut cucumbers into quarters lengthwise. Sprinkle with salt and sugar.
Stir lightly. Set aside 20 minutes.

Rinse cucumbers in cold water. Drain. Squeeze out liquid.

Arrange cucumbers in a shallow Pyrex dish. Spread ginger
and red pepper on top.

Heat sesame oil in wok. Stir-fry red chili peppers until dark.
Add peppercorns. Pour this mixture over cucumbers.

Mix vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Pour
this sauce over cucumbers. Marinate overnight. Serve cold.

(May be prepared in advance. Do not freeze.)