Jeffrey Alford & Naomi Duguid'S Spicy Cucumber Salad

• 1 large or 2 medium European cucumbers
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 5 Thai dried chiles, or 3 for milder heat
• 1/2 jalapeno, minced
• 7 Sichuan peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup packed torn cilantro leaves

1. Peel the cucumber, leaving some thin strips of peel on if you wish, for a decorative effect. Cut lengthwise into quarters and discard the seeds.
2. Use the flat side of a cleaver or large knife to bash the cucumber pieces several times. Cut the pieces lengthwise into thinner strips, then cut crosswise into 2-inch lengths. Place in a medium bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the vinegar and sugar. Pour over the cucumber, mix well, and set aside.
4. Place a wok or skillet over high heat. When it is hot, add the oil and swirl to coat the pan. Toss in the dried chiles, jalapeno, and peppercorns and stir-fry for 20-30 seconds. Pour this over the cucumbers. Sprinkle on the salt and mix well.
5. Mound the salad in a shallow bowl. Sprinkle on the cilantro leaves and serve immediately. rnrnNote: The traditional way to make this uses 3 tablespoons of oil, giving a well-oiled texture that may be undesirable. If you wish, try both and see which you prefer.

european cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, peanut, chiles, peppercorns, salt, cilantro

Taken from food52.com/recipes/18419-jeffrey-alford-naomi-duguid-s-spicy-cucumber-salad (may not work)