Pressgurka (Swedish Pressed Cucumber Salad)
In short: Paper-thin cucumber slices salted, pressed and soaked in a sweet and sour dressing with white pepper and parsley, the classic side for Swedish meatballs. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 30 kcal
Pressgurka is the pickled cucumber salad that sits beside Swedish meatballs, fried herring and almost any summer plate. Paper-thin cucumber is salted and pressed to squeeze out its water, then left in a sweet and sour dressing with white pepper and parsley. It takes fifteen minutes of work and keeps for days, which makes it one of the easiest Swedish side dishes.
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and slice them as thinly as you can, about 2 mm (1/16 in), with a mandoline or a very sharp knife. There is no need to peel them.
- Layer the slices in a colander over a bowl, sprinkling with the salt as you go. Cover with a plate, weigh it down with a can and leave for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir the vinegar, water, sugar and white pepper together until the sugar dissolves.
- Squeeze the cucumber slices firmly by the handful to remove as much liquid as possible, and discard the liquid.
- Toss the pressed cucumber with the dressing and parsley. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving, stirring once.
Tips
- Thin-skinned long cucumbers need no peeling. With thick-skinned slicing cucumbers, peel them and scoop out the seeds first.
- Make it a day ahead, because the flavor deepens overnight. For a milder dressing add a little extra water, and for a sweeter one add another tablespoon of sugar.
Questions and answers
How long does pressgurka keep?
Up to 4 days in a covered container in the fridge. It softens slightly as it sits, so it is at its best within 2 days.
What do you eat pressgurka with?
Swedish meatballs, fried herring, salmon, boiled potatoes and grilled sausages are all typical partners. It works with any rich or fatty dish that needs a sharp, fresh contrast.
Can I use less sugar?
Yes. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more to taste once the cucumber has marinated for an hour. The sweet-sour balance is a matter of personal preference.
How long does it take to make Pressgurka (Swedish Pressed Cucumber Salad)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pressgurka (Swedish Pressed Cucumber Salad)?
About 30 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 30 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
