Transform your appetizer game with these delightful cucumber cups. These bite-sized treats are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a healthy snack, they combine the refreshing crunch of cucumbers with the creamy goodness of hummus.
If you don't usually have fresh herbs like dill and parsley at home, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is also essential for that zesty kick, so make sure to grab a lemon if you don't have one on hand.
Ingredients For Cucumber Cups Recipe
Cucumbers: These form the base of the cups and provide a refreshing crunch.
Hummus: A creamy, protein-rich filling that pairs perfectly with cucumbers.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a burst of herby flavor to the hummus.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright, slightly peppery taste to the mix.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty tang to the hummus.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the hummus.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When creating the cucumber cups, use a melon baller instead of a spoon to scoop out the seeds. This will give you a more uniform and professional-looking cup. Additionally, make sure the hummus mixture is well-chilled before filling the cups, as this will help maintain the structure and freshness of the cucumber.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and can be hollowed out to create cups, making it a great alternative to cucumbers.
hummus - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole provides a creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a suitable replacement for hummus in this recipe.
fresh dill - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a different but complementary flavor profile that pairs well with the other ingredients.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, citrusy note that can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor, which can enhance the taste of the dish while providing the necessary saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different flavor but still provides the necessary peppery kick.
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How To Store or Freeze This Dish
- To keep your cucumber cups fresh and crisp, store them in an airtight container. Place a damp paper towel at the bottom of the container to maintain moisture.
- If you need to prepare them ahead of time, store the cucumber cups and hummus mixture separately. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming soggy. Assemble just before serving.
- For short-term storage, refrigerate the cucumber cups for up to 24 hours. Beyond this, they may lose their crunch.
- Avoid freezing the cucumber cups as cucumbers have high water content and will become mushy when thawed.
- If you must freeze the hummus mixture, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- When ready to serve, give the hummus mixture a good stir to restore its creamy texture. Fill the cucumber cups and enjoy immediately.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Place the cucumber cups on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. This method is quick but be cautious as the cucumbers can become soggy.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Arrange the cucumber cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture of the cucumbers while gently warming the hummus filling.
If you have a steamer, place the cucumber cups in the steamer basket and steam for 1-2 minutes. This method ensures even heating and retains the crispness of the cucumbers.
For a more gourmet approach, use a sous-vide machine. Seal the cucumber cups in a vacuum bag and immerse them in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) for about 10 minutes. This method provides precise temperature control and preserves the integrity of the ingredients.
If you prefer a cold option, simply let the cucumber cups sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows them to lose the chill from the refrigerator without compromising their texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Peeler: To remove the skin from the cucumbers.
Knife: To cut the cucumbers into 2-inch pieces.
Spoon: To scoop out the seeds and create a small cup in each cucumber piece.
Mixing bowl: To mix the hummus, dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for cutting the cucumbers.
Serving platter: To arrange and serve the filled cucumber cups.
Refrigerator: To chill the cucumber cups if not serving immediately.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare the filling: Mix the hummus with dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Uniform shape: Use a melon baller to scoop out the seeds from the cucumbers quickly and evenly.
Pre-cut cucumbers: Peel and cut the cucumbers into 2-inch pieces in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Assembly line: Set up an assembly line with all ingredients and tools ready to streamline the process of filling the cucumber cups.
Cucumber Cups Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup hummus
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Peel the cucumbers and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
- 2. Using a spoon, scoop out some of the seeds from one end of each cucumber piece to create a small cup.
- 3. In a bowl, mix the hummus, chopped dill, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- 4. Fill each cucumber cup with the hummus mixture.
- 5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
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