Grandma'S Cucumber Koko

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Hawaiian

Grandma's Cucumber Koko offers a refreshing, mildly spicy pickle with sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for hot days or as a flavorful side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 7 to 8 medium cucumbers
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup Hawaiian salt
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • fresh chili peppers

Instructions

  1. Cut cucumbers into 2-inch wedges.
  2. Mix sugar, salt, and vinegar in a pot on low heat.
  3. Add smashed, whole chili peppers to taste.
  4. Remove mixture from heat and pour over cucumber wedges.
  5. Let stand for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
  6. Bottle and refrigerate.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, to enhance the flavor. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before adding them. You can also adjust the sugar based on your taste preference; using honey could be a natural substitute. Remember to taste the mixture before pouring it over the cucumbers to ensure the balance is to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grandma's Cucumber Koko as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fish and can be enjoyed as a light snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mama Ellen'S Chow Chow or with rice and a protein of your choice for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cucumber koko in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to a week. If you notice the cucumbers becoming too soft, consider using them in a salad or as a topping for grilled meats. There's no need to reheat this dish, as it is best served cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Cucumber Koko contains roughly 174 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

174 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 43.4g 16% DV
Fiber 8.4g 30% DV
Sugar 0.8g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 76.6mg 3% DV
Potassium 530.9mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.3mcg
Vitamin C 70.6mg 78% DV
Calcium 56.1mg 4% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the sweetness of the cucumber koko?

Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar used. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, start with half the amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired taste. Using alternatives like agave syrup can also help control the sweetness level.

How long do the cucumbers stay crispy in the mixture?

The cucumbers will remain crisp for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. After that, they may start to soften. For the best texture, enjoy them within the first few days of preparation.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can incorporate other crunchy vegetables like radishes or carrots for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the marinating time based on the vegetables used to ensure they absorb the flavors well.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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