Cucumbers, Green Beans, and More!

This salad reminds me of summer and  it makes me anxious for summer's arrival. My mom first made this salad for us. I think it normally calls for a papaya, but we used cucumbers instead. It's easier that way.

I can't wait to pick these ingredients straight out of our garden.

Here's a fun kitchen tool to add to your utensil drawer!

Start by peeling the skin off of the cucumbers. Then grab your serrated peeler and start shredding the cucumbers lengthwise.

It will look super cool like this. 

Wash your raw green beans and cut them up into bit size pieces.  Throw them in with your cucumbers and diced up tomatoes. Also, add some minced garlic. (I forgot to photograph that.)

Now, depending on your taste, squeeze a few limes over the top of your little salad.

Your children will get wind of what is going on and come running. They will start begging you to let them eat the limes.

Yes, this really happened. I have no idea why they think such a sour fruit would be so fun to eat. No food goes to waste in this house. :)

Now here's the secret ingredient: fish sauce. Squirt a few tablespoons of this stuff onto your salad. Don't smell it or you might throw up. Now to even out that fishy and sour flavor forming in this salad add a tablespoon of sugar. Mix it well. Stick it in the fridge until ready to serve.

The flavors are perfect together. You'll just have to trust me on this one. If you want to add a little spice throw a few chili flakes in there. I like to serve this with other Thai dishes. 

Cucumber Green Bean Salad

• 2 cucumbers, shredded
• 1 cup green beans, cut up
• 2 medium sized tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• Lime juice from 1 to 2 limes
• 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

Shred cucumbers. Dice tomatoes. Cut green beans into bite sized pieces. Mince garlic. Mix cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, and green beans in a bowl. Add fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix well. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve.