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Atjar Ketimun (Cucumbers in Turmeric)

Serve this as a cooling contrast to curry or other spicy dishes. Adapted from The New York Times Cookbook. Although the book suggests substituting 1 teaspoon ground ginger for the fresh, I don't recommend this, as the taste will be completely different. Cook time includes chilling time.

4.5 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by ChocolatlEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
IndonesianAsianLow ProteinVeganLow Cholesterol< 4 Hours
Atjar Ketimun (Cucumbers in Turmeric)

Total time

150 min

Servings

1

Calories

62.9

Category

Vegetable

Atjar Ketimun is a refreshing Indonesian pickled cucumber salad that perfectly balances tangy vinegar, aromatic turmeric, and a hint of spice. This vegan, low-protein side dish is the ultimate palate cleanser for rich, savory Indonesian meals like Nasi Goreng or Satay. Naturally low in cholesterol and quick to prepare, this vibrant yellow pickle adds both color and crunch to your dining table.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 3 cucumbers
  • 3 salt
  • 2 shallots
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 fresh ginger
  • 2 turmeric
  • 2 sugar
  • 1 1/2 vinegar
  • 1 water

Method

  1. Combine cucumber pieces with 2 tablespoons of salt.

  2. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

  3. Rinse and drain well. Squeeze out any excess moisture.

  4. Heat peanut oil and saute shallots, garlic and ginger until softened.

  5. Add almonds, turmeric, sugar and remaining salt. Stir well.

  6. Add vinegar and water.

  7. Simmer 10 minutes.

  8. Pour over cucumbers.

  9. Mix well.

  10. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cook's notes

  • For the best crunch, remove the watery seeds from the cucumber using a teaspoon before slicing.
  • Allow the pickling liquid to cool completely before pouring over the cucumbers to maintain their crisp texture.
  • Let the dish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the turmeric and vinegar base to fully infuse the cucumbers.
  • Adjust the chili levels to suit your heat preference by adding or removing fresh bird's eye chilies.

Easy swaps

  • Use agave nectar or maple syrup as a vegan alternative if you prefer not to use white sugar.
  • If you cannot find fresh turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of high-quality ground turmeric powder works perfectly.
  • Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar for a slightly fruitier, more mellow flavor profile.
  • Add thinly sliced carrots or shallots to the jar for extra texture and color variety.

Frequently asked

Is Atjar Ketimun healthy?

Yes, it is a low-cholesterol, low-protein, and vegan vegetable dish that uses turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

How long do I need to marinate the cucumbers?

While it can be eaten after 30 minutes, we recommend at least 2 hours for the best flavor infusion, or overnight for the most intense results.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Simply increase the amount of sliced bird's eye chilies or add a pinch of red chili flakes to the pickling brine.

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