Cucumber Salad

Don't skip the first step of salting the cucumbers in order to draw out as much water as possible. It is also important to rinse the salt off the cucumbers and then let them drain for a while. The cucumbers will continue to release water. If we don't eat all of the salad the first day, I often drain it a couple different times. The garlic and chili paste will get more potent with time, so don't make it too strong right away.

Ingredients:

2 English cucumbers

2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon chili paste

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 teaspoons sugar

4 tablespoons vinegar

Directions:

1.  Cut cucumber into long julienne strips. Add 1 teaspoon salt and set aside for 20 minutes. Rinse off salt with cold water then drain off excess water.

2.  Add chili paste, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and 1 teaspoon salt and mix well. Chill for 20 minutes.