Cucumber Salad with Peanuts

this one is so simple but the jalapeno makes it taste complicated and fuller than it is. It lasts only a couple of days in the fridge so don't make too much in advance. Another epicurious find.

1 English cucumber (about 1 pound)
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 fresh jalapeño chili, or to taste, minced (wear rubber gloves)
2 tablespoons finely chopped salted peanuts
Seed cucumber and cut into 1/4-inch dice and in a bowl stir together with remaining ingredients. Season salad with salt and pepper.

Gourmet

April 1997