One summer evening

We have another proper summer this year. You know, the kind that makes you sweat while sitting and crave icy cold watermelon chunks and a lot of water. Oh, also lots of turning in the middle of the night trying to find a cooler side. Yup.

I bought my first whole watermelon this year, first ever since I came to this country. It doesn't taste as good as I remember when I was a child but anything cold and hydrating is welcomed these days.

And I think I am having my third cucumber this month? It's a record considering I used to have like one per year. My favorite way of having cucumber is with yogurt, Tzatziki. There are lots of recipes on the web. I like to make mine by starting lightly salting the cucumber dices (seeds removed first). This step not only removes excess water which makes final product thicker, but also it removes the "raw/grassy" flavor of cucumber which I don't like. Rinse away excess salt by plunging the cucumber dices into water for a few seconds and pat dry. Place cucumber dices in a bowl, mix in plain yogurt, puree from half of a garlic clove and dill, dry or fresh, the more the better. No oil is required. 

Another thing which instantly imparts fresh feeling is coriander/cilantro. A simple salad of tomato, cucumber and coriander enhances any meal anytime. Tonight we had tomato, white beans and coriander salad. I also made aubergine in garlicky yogurt sauce topped with lots of coriander. We then had more yogurt for dessert. It's a summery night.