Mizeria
Polish Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and classic Polish cucumber salad, Mizeria is a simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for summer meals. Thinly sliced cucumbers are lightly salted to draw out excess moisture, then tossed with a creamy dressing of sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of vinegar and sugar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 medium Cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 200 ml Sour cream
- 1/2 bunch Fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon White vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- pinch Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cucumbers: Peel the cucumbers if desired. Slice them very thinly, about 1-2mm thick. A mandoline slicer is ideal for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works well. Place the cucumber slices in a colander set over a bowl.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Salt the cucumbers: Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of salt evenly over the cucumber slices in the colander. Gently toss to distribute the salt. Let the cucumbers sit in the colander for at least 30 minutes. You will see liquid begin to pool in the bowl below.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Drain and squeeze: After resting, firmly press handfuls of cucumber slices to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. Alternatively, you can gently squeeze them in a clean kitchen towel. Discard the released liquid. This step is crucial for a creamy, not watery, salad.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, finely chopped fresh dill, vinegar, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Combine and chill: Add the squeezed cucumber slices to the dressing. Gently toss to coat all the cucumbers evenly. If using, add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
⏱️ 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For best results, use full-fat sour cream. It provides a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- ✓Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin cucumber slices, which absorb the dressing better.
- ✓Don't skip the salting and squeezing step; it's key to preventing a watery mizeria.
- ✓Fresh dill is essential for authentic flavor. Dried dill will not yield the same result.
- ✓Taste and adjust the dressing's sweetness and acidity (sugar and vinegar) to your preference.
- ✓Mizeria is best served chilled, shortly after preparation, as it can become watery if left to sit for too long.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the sour cream with plain yogurt (Greek or regular).
- Add a finely minced clove of garlic for an extra kick.
- Include thinly sliced red onion or chives for added texture and flavor.
- A squeeze of lemon juice can be used instead of or in addition to vinegar for a brighter taste.