Stewed Cucumbers
A savory Victorian side dish of pan-fried cucumber slices stewed in a rich, spiced gravy with mushroom ketchup and port wine. The cucumbers become tender and absorb the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 whole Large cucumbers, peeled and cut into thick slices (Can reduce to 4-6 cucumbers for a smaller batch)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour, for dredging (Approximate amount for coating)
- 4 tablespoons Butter, for frying (May need more depending on pan size)
- 1 cup Beef or chicken gravy (Store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (Adjust to taste for heat level)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Mushroom ketchup or Worcestershire sauce (Worcestershire sauce is a good modern substitute)
- 3 tablespoons Port wine (Can substitute with red wine or beef broth)
More recipes using Cucumbers
British
Stewed Cucumbers in Gravy
Tender cucumbers stewed in a savory ham and herb gravy, a classic preparation that transforms cucumbers into a warm side dish.
Anglo-Indian
Sauce for Cucumber Salad
A tangy, spicy dressing for cucumber salad made with onions, chilies, vinegar, and spices. This versatile sauce can also be used for lobster and prawn salads.
Instructions
- 1Peel the cucumbers and cut them into thick slices, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each cucumber slice in the flour, coating both sides well. Shake off any excess flour.
- 3Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming. Add the floured cucumber slices in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 4In a saucepan, combine the gravy, cayenne pepper, salt, mushroom ketchup (or Worcestershire sauce), and port wine. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- 5Add the fried cucumber slices to the saucepan with the gravy mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let stew for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the stewed cucumbers hot as a side dish, spooning some of the gravy over the top.
