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deep purple, caramelized black grapes, halved and mixed with bright green cucumber slices, and garnished with toasted sunflower seeds and tiny ribbons of fresh green basil. Served in a white bowl.

Sautéed Basil Cucumbers and Grapes

Surprise yourself and your guests by cooking up a few cukes and grapes, rather than serving them raw.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Modern
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium cucumber
  • 1 cup grapes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prep

  1. Using a vegetable peeler, partially peel the cucumber so that it is striped green.

  2. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, and using a spoon remove the seeds.

  3. Cut the cucumber into 1/2″ slices, at a bias (cut it at a 45 degree angle rather than straight across).

  4. Place sliced cucumbers into a bowl and toss with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will allow the cucumbers to release their water. Set aside for 15 minutes.

  5. While the cucumbers are resting, slice grapes in half lengthwise.

Cooking

  1. Place grapes, cut side down, into a sauté pan over medium heat.

  2. Once the grapes begin to smell like a seared steak (about five minutes), flip them. Allow them to cook on the other side for another five minutes.

  3. Drain cucumber slices and add to the pan along with the olive oil and ginger, tossing everything together to coat.

  4.  Slice the basil leaves into small ribbons (chiffonade) and toss them together with the cucumbers and grapes.

  5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Garnish with toasted, salted sunflower seeds for an added crunch!