Cucumber & Carrot Namasu

Pickles are addictive.  Crunchy, tangy goodness in every bite.  Namasu is a simple Japanese pickle that’s ready in an hour.  Not only is it quick to make, there are just 6 ingredients.  It can double as a refreshing tangy-sweet salad.

The first 3 ingredients – Cucumber, Ginger & Carrot.

It’s easy to make attractive carrot florets with a knife and steady hand.

Grated ginger adds a refreshing flavor to the vegetables.

Beautiful pickles, Japanese style.

Cucumber & Carrot Namasu (Japanese pickles)

Ingredients

1 large English or 2 Japanese cucumbers

1 medium carrot

1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Cut the cucumber in half diagonally and peel thin strips of skin off of each half.  Cut each piece of cucumber in half, lengthwise.  Remove seeds.  Slice the cucumber into 1/4 inch pieces and set aside.

Peel the carrot and cut into thirds.  With a small, thin knife cut narrow lengthwise grooves in the carrot to make a floret shape (about 5 cuts if the carrot is thick, 4 if the carrot is very thin).  Using a mandoline or sharp thin knife slice the carrot into florets.

Peel ginger and finely grate, set aside 2 teaspoons.

Mix 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until sugar and salt has dissolved.  Add 2 teaspoons grated ginger.

Combine cucumbers, carrots and vinegar mixture in medium size bowl.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Cucumbers and carrots will become delightfully crispy when chilled.   The pickles will keep well in the refrigerator for a couple of days.  These pickles go well with tofu or grilled teriyaki chicken.