Description
Classic English cucumber tea sandwiches made with thinly sliced cucumbers, lightly seasoned and layered between buttered soft sandwich bread. Perfectly light, fresh, and elegant for afternoon tea or a delicate snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 English cucumber (or 3 small Persian cucumbers or 1 American cucumber)
Seasonings
- Kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal brand), a sprinkle
- 1 splash white wine or rice vinegar
Bread & Spreads
- 4 slices thin, soft sandwich bread
- 1 tablespoon good salted butter, such as Kerry Gold, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Peel the cucumber(s) using a vegetable peeler or mandoline to create very thin strips, stopping before reaching the seedy center for the best texture.
- Salt and drain cucumbers: Place the cucumber strips in a colander or mixing bowl, sprinkle generously with kosher salt, add a splash of white wine or rice vinegar, and toss to combine. Let them drain in the colander for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture, placing a dish underneath to catch runoff. Afterwards, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Butter the bread: Generously spread softened salted butter on one side of each bread slice. Arrange on a cutting board with the buttered side facing up.
- Assemble sandwiches: On two of the buttered bread slices, layer two overlapping layers of cucumber strips arranged in a closely-overlapping shingle pattern, adding an extra layer if desired for thickness.
- Complete the sandwich: Top the cucumber layers with the other two bread slices, butter side down. Press gently to help the sandwich hold together.
- Trim and cut sandwiches: Using a sharp knife, cut off the crusts. Then slice each sandwich diagonally one way, then cut again along the opposite diagonal to form four triangle-shaped pieces (an “X” shape). Alternatively, slice into finger-sized strips.
- Serve: Enjoy your fresh cucumber tea sandwiches accompanied by a nice cup of tea for a classic English tea time experience.
Notes
- Using thinly sliced cucumbers ensures a delicate texture without overwhelming the bread.
- Allow cucumbers to drain well to prevent soggy sandwiches.
- Soft sandwich bread works best for a traditional tea sandwich texture.
- You can substitute white wine vinegar with rice vinegar for a milder flavor.
- For presentation, cutting into triangles or finger shapes makes sandwiches easy to handle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: English
