Experience a delightful fusion of flavors and temperatures with this rice dish that marries warm, buttery grains with a chilled cucumber sauce, tangy pickles, and soft-centered eggs. The interplay between the hot rice and cold accompaniments offers a refreshing yet comforting meal, making it an ideal choice for a quick summer lunch or a simple weeknight dinner.
To prepare this dish, start with the pickled cucumbers. Slice 200g of baby cucumbers into rounds and toss them in a heatproof bowl with a teaspoon of flaky sea salt. In another bowl, combine 75ml of freshly boiled water with 3 tablespoons of caster sugar and white-wine vinegar. Pour this mixture over the cucumbers to let them pickle while you prepare the other components.
Next, rinse 200g of Japanese short-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear, then drain it well. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or in a saucepan with 250ml of cold water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, reduce to the lowest setting, cover, and cook for about eight minutes before removing from heat to leave covered for another 10 minutes. Meanwhile, blend a large peeled and deseeded cucumber with 100g of crème fraîche, a generous pinch of flaky salt, and a garlic clove to create a smooth cucumber sauce. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator with an ice cube to maintain its cool temperature.
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and cook 2 medium eggs for seven minutes. Rinse them immediately under cold water and carefully peel them. Drain the pickled cucumbers and toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil, a small handful of chopped fresh dill, and half a teaspoon of dried mint to enhance their flavor.
To assemble the dish, divide the warm rice between two wide bowls, allowing 40g of soft salted butter pieces to melt over it. Spoon the chilled cucumber sauce around the rice, then add the pickled cucumbers. Halve the peeled eggs and place them on top, finishing with finely sliced spring onions and seasoning the eggs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm and cold elements, creating a light yet flavorful meal.
