Sweet & Spicy Cucs

I grew up eating this snack during the hot summer months. It has mixed reviews among my family members, but I think its great.  It is perfect if you like spicy/vinegary snacks that are healthy.

1-1/2 lbs cucumber (about 3 medium), peeled, halved lengthwise & thinly sliced

2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c rice vinegar, seasoned or regular

1/2 c water

3 Tbs sugar

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

2 Tbs minced red onion

  

Place cucumber slices in a colander sitting over a bowl, sprinkle with salt and toss well.  Let sit for 1 hour refrigerated.  While cucumber slices are draining, prepare marinade below.

Combine vinegar, water, sugar and red pepper in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cook until reduced to a 1/3 cup (about 10 minutes).  If for some reason you boil for too long, just add a little water until you have 1/3 C. Remove reduction from heat and add onion.  Let mixture cool to room temp.  (** I don't always have the patience to wait until the marinade reduces.  So, I often just turn the heat on long enough to melt down the sugar, heat up the pepper flakes, and get everything nice and mixed.)

When the cucumbers are done resting, combine with the vinegar reduction.  This can be served immediately, but I love to leave it in the fridge for a couple hours and get them crispy and cold.