Cucumber Chutney for Doubles Recipe
Cucumber chutney for doubles has become part of the culture.
The chutney adds a cooling, refreshing element to delicious doubles.
Here’s how I make the chutney.
As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.
What is in this cucumber chutney recipe
For this recipe, I used:
- Kirby cucumber
- chadon beni
- garlic
- salt
- pepper
Optional ingredients:
- citrus juice like lemon or lime
- cilantro or celery leaves
- sugar
Kirby cucumbers are the main type of cucumber sold in T&T. But, internationally, English cucumbers (what we call zucchinis) are also quite popular.
For this recipe, Kirby cucumbers are used. Choose organic produce that won’t have waxed peels or pesticide residue.
I prefer using homegrown cucumbers since I know exactly what I’m using to fertilize and spray them. If that’s not an option for you then wash the cucumbers with warm, soapy water or remove the peel.
By the way, the ingredients for this recipe are pretty much the same as cucumber chow. So, while you are at it, why not whip up a tasty chow too?
How to make cucumber chutney for doubles
Grate the cucumber
Step 1: Wash the cucumber with warm soapy water since you will likely be using the peels. If you are concerned about any waxes, fungicide or pesticide residue, be sure to peel the cucumber. Next, cut off the ends. My mom always says to rub the ends on the cut cucumber to remove bitterness. No idea why or if it works; it’s just something my grandmother did.
Step 2: I don’t like seeds in my cucumber chutney for doubles. I prefer to remove them. So, I slice the cucumber lengthways and scrape the seeds off with a spoon.
Step 3: With the cucumber washed and prepped, it’s time to grate it. The most common way is to use the larger side of a hand grater. Holding the cucumber at an angle will give you longer pieces of the cucumber; but you will get long pieces of the skin which can be tough and chewy. Holding the cucumber perpendicularly will give you shorter pieces. You can choose your preference.
Also, you can use a food processor, but you’ll get chunkier pieces and not those beautiful strands we are all accustomed to.
Salt the cucumber
Step 4: Add anywhere from two pinches to a quarter teaspoon of salt to the cucumber and mix thoroughly. Set aside for about 15 minutes.
Remember school science class? Adding salt draws the liquid out (via osmosis). Using too much salt will make the cucumber strands soft and mushy. By using less salt, the cucumbers will still have a slight crunch to them. What is your preference? Should there be a little crunchiness in your doubles?
I like mine with a little crunch so I use less salt.
Prep the other ingredients
Step 5: Wash the chadon beni leaves to remove any dirt from them. Wash the pepper and cut in half. Remove the seeds and white pith. Peel the garlic. Finely chop the prepped ingredients.
Squeeze the excess liquid
Step 6: After the 15 minutes or so, it’s time to strain the liquid out of the cucumber. A simple strainer will work here but I prefer using a cheesecloth (get the ones I use on Amazon here).
The cheesecloth makes sure the cucumbers are nice and dry.
Mix everything together
Step 7: Add the chopped ingredients to the strained cucumber strands. Mix together thoroughly.
Step 8: You will want to refrigerate the mix for 15 to 30 minutes for the flavors to infuse into the cucumbers – much like you would for cucumber chow.
Serve on top your own homemade doubles alongside sweet sauce and pepper sauce.
Cucumber chutney recipe
Cucumber chutney for doubles recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Kirby cucumber with peel
- 2 – 3 chadon beni leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- ¼ tsp salt plus salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- ½ tsp lime or lemon juice (optional)
- pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and cut off their ends.
- Slice in half lengthways.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Grate the cucumber (using the coarse side of a cheese grater).
- Add salt.
- Set aside for 15 minutes.
- Chop the chadon beni leaves, garlic and pepper together.
- After the 15 minutes, strain and squeeze the cucumber juice out of the cucumber.
- Add the chopped ingredients to the strained cucumber.
- Mix in citrus juice and sugar (optional)
- Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Serve as a condiment for doubles.