Snake Cucumber Salad (Khamang Kakdi)

Snake Cucumbers

 

I am not sure how many of you are aware of this snake-like variety of cucumber. People in the north of India are familiar with it and they call it “Kakdi “ or “Kakri”. I later on found out from the net that it is also known as “Armenian Cucumber”.  Frankly speaking, I was totally clueless about this vegetable. Lately, I used to see a vendor selling these (snake-like, light green coloured vegetables) in a cart, from our balcony and used to wonder what they were. Then, one fine day, I saw it on a TV channel and the host was explaining the nutritive value of this wonderful vegetable.

Apparently, unlike other cucumbers this particular variety can be eaten even by those who are prone to cold and cough. (My spouse avoids cucumbers as he immediately catches cold after eating them.) When I heard this on TV, at the first opportunity, I bought a small quantity (4-5) for a trial basis and believe me it was crisp, tender and delicious. It can be eaten raw without removing the skin. And, my spouse had no problem even after eating it. We were both delighted!

This is a typical Maharashtrian dish known as “Khamang Kakdi”. The only change I made in this dish is the use of Snake cucumber instead of the normal one that is available.

 

 

Ingredients:

Snake Cucumber	4-5
Grated coconut	½ cup
Roasted peanuts	½ cup
Green chilies	2-3 or more
Lemon juice	2 tsps
Chopped coriander leaves	2 tbsps
Sugar	½ tsp
Salt	As per taste
Seasoning ingredients
Oil	1 tsp
Mustard seeds	1 tsp
Curry leaves	1 sprig

Method:

1. Roughly crush the roasted peanuts and keep aside.
2. Chop green chilies and lightly crush them and keep aside.
3. Wash the snake cucumbers, cut them into cubes and place them in a bowl.
4. Now add the crushed roasted peanuts, green chilies, grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, lime juice, salt and sugar into the bowl.

For seasoning: Heat a small seasoning pan, add oil in it and when the oil is heated, add mustard seeds and when it starts spluttering, add the curry leaves. Remove from flame and add the contents into the above prepared mixture.

Mix well and serve immediately.

Snake (cucumbers) in the basket

Ingredients

Snake cucumber being cut into cubes

All the ingredients being combined in a bowl

Getting ready to serve

 

Preparation time:15-20 mins

Seasoning time : 5 mins

Serves: 4

Note:

• This is generally served as a side dish.
• In case you want to serve this at a later stage, then add salt just before serving.
• Any type of cucumber can be used in making this salad. English cucumbers that are currently available in most of the supermarkets are another option.