Cucumbers, smashed

From here.

Rinse and dry

About 2 pounds thin skinned cucumbers

Cut in half lengthwise, and then into 4" long pieces. Place pieces cut-side down and place a chinese vegetable knife atop it and smash down lightly to break the skin, separate the seeds, and slightly crush the cucumber. Remove seeds, and cut remaining pieces diagonally into bite-sized bits. Place them in a strainer over a bowl with

A big pinch salt

A big pinch sugar

Let drain somewhere between 15 min and 4 hours, weighted down with a bag of ice or just something heavy. Retain the drained liquid to make a martini.

In a small bowl, combine

1 t kosher salt

2t granulated sugar

1 1/2 T rice vinegar

3/4 t crushed szechuan peppercorns

and stir until sugar and salt dissolve (heat 30 sec in microwave to help with this). Stir in

2t sesame oil

2t soy sauce

Chill.

When ready to serve, shake cukes to drain off remaining liquid and transfer to serving bowl. Drizzle with

1T peanut oil

and toss. Add the dressing,

red pepper flakes to taste

minced or pressed garlic, to taste, up to 2 cloves

Serve, garnish with

small handful chopped cilantro

1-2t sesame seeds