Name: Cucumber Salad
Yield: Makes 8 servings (as part of larger meal)
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons fine-quality dried shrimp such as BDMP or Sea Emperor brands (optional); 1/2 cup fresh lime juice; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons nam pla (Asian fish sauce; preferably Thai); 2 seedless cucumbers (usually plastic-wrapped; 1 1/2 lb total), halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1/8 inch thick; 2 small shallots, thinly sliced (2 tablespoons)

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Cucumber SaladGEORGE WHITESIDE

Yam Taeng Kwa

Dried shrimp are an acquired taste; they have a very strong fish flavor. But this salad is wonderfully refreshing even without the shrimp.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Cooks' notes:

• Shrimp can be ground 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature. • Salad (without shrimp) can be made 1 hour ahead and chilled, covered.

Recipe notes

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