Start to feel a little peckish around mid-morning? Have these easy elevenses Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches with your tea or coffee. This decadent sandwich is super easy to prepare, and can be made ONLY with 3 ingredients such as white bread, plain cream cheese and English cucumber.
Perfect for afternoon tea or children’s tea party.
For Brits, sandwiches are enjoyed for elevenses, lunch or afternoon tea. I may have already had thousands of sandwiches by now, whether its a Cheese Ploughman’s or a simple cheese and tomato.
One of my favourites in the summertime is this Yogurt and Herb Sandwich .
What are Elevenses?
Well, it is almost a British teatime tradition, but actually isn’t that old.
According to historian Bruce Richardson who specialised in British tea, this concept may have popped up in the 20th century because there’s no reference to the term in 1800s literature . Nonetheless, elevenses is strongly ingrained in today’s British culture.
Around 11am, it is the most popular short meal break taken known as elevenses, which comes after proper breakfast and before proper lunch.
Usually, one or two types of delicious snacks such as biscuits, cookies or a slice of cake and a cup of tea or coffee are taken.
Although elevenses menu consists of biscuits, cakes and muffins, I don’t mind something savoury for breaks like elevenses. Then why not Cream Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich!
These quintessentially English sandwiches are considered as high society food, and it is simple to make but ridiculously tasty. They are great for luncheons, elevenses, afternoon tea or picnic.
These sandwiches composed of delicious spread that is combined of two ingredients, cream cheese and herb and topped with refreshing paper-thin cucumbers a refreshing bite between crustless white bread.
These finger sandwiches makes the perfect appetizer, snack or excellent British garden party, and liked by old and young as they are light and refreshing.
If preparing for an afternoon tea, you can serve them alongside these Lavender Scones and Masala Chai .
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich Ingredients
Includes variations. Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
The three main ingredients include bread, spread and cucumber. While the herbs are optional, they are totally worth adding!
Bread – First and most important ingredient of these sandwiches is bread.
Traditionally white bread is used, but whole grain is absolutely fine too. The bread must be extremely soft, softness is most important for a delicious sandwich. You can also use gluten-free bread .
Dairy – Plain full fat soft cream cheese and butter plays a big role for yummy and tasty sandwiches. Cucumber – English cucumber is best for this recipe as the seeds are small and delicate. In the traditional recipe, the cucumber is peeled and thinly sliced (almost paper thin). However, if you keep the peel on, it won’t harm but only adds fibre in your diet. Herbs – traditionally fresh dill is used for this recipe, but chives would be a great choice too. Chop the herbs finely. If you cannot find fresh, use dried herbs. You can try other dried herb mixes if you wish.
Seasoning – Freshly ground salt and black pepper.
How to make Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
These are so simple and easy to make, you may want to include your young cook if you want.
First I would start with preparing the spread.
Take cream cheese, dill and/or chives in a bowl, dried or fresh or skip totally. However fresh tastes so much better. You may add salt and black pepper at this stage or sprinkle later.
Combine everything in a bowl and leave it aside.
Once spread is done, make thin slices of the cucumber. In the traditional recipe cucumber is peeled but once again if you prefer to leave it on, there is no harm in doing that.
Now you are ready to assemble the sandwiches.
Evenly spread butter on both slices of crustless white bread.
Spread the cream cheese on one slice.
Place cucumber slices on top.
Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper and top with the other slice of bread. If you already haven’t added in the first step.
Cut it into the desired shape – either triangles or rectangles (finger sandwiches).
How to store
Although I would love to make sandwiches just before eating, sometimes I make them in advance.
These sandwiches can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
You want to make sure that each bread slice is fully covered with the butter and cream cheese spread. Spreading any fat like butter, margarine or cream cheese on the bread slice, works as a barrier for the wet ingredients such as tomato and cucumber.
It also helps to pat dry the cucumber to get rid of excess moisture.
Once prepared, cut into slices and store it in an airtight container.
Can I make these sandwiches vegan and gluten-free?
Definitely, you can. Use vegan cream cheese and butter and gluten free bread for this recipe.
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread White bread. You can use wholemeal or gluten-free bread. Cut off the crusts if you wish.
- 1 tbsp butter
- 80 gram cream cheese
- 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs dill and chives
- Salt and pepper pinch to taste
- ¼ cucumber finely sliced
Instructions
- Mix 80 gram cream cheese with 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs and set aside
- Spread 1 tbsp butter on 8 slices bread
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on one side of the 4 slices of bread
- Top with 1/4 cucumber and Salt and pepper .
- Cover each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread
- Press it gently with your hands.
- Cut into desired shape and serve.
Video
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Cucumber Cream Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread White bread. You can use wholemeal or gluten-free bread. Cut off the crusts if you wish.
- 1 tbsp butter
- 80 gram cream cheese
- 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs dill and chives
- Salt and pepper pinch to taste
- ¼ cucumber finely sliced
Instructions
- Mix 80 gram cream cheese with 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs and set aside
- Spread 1 tbsp butter on 8 slices bread
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on one side of the 4 slices of bread
- Top with 1/4 cucumber and Salt and pepper .
- Cover each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread
- Press it gently with your hands.
- Cut into desired shape and serve.
Video
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Rajagira halwa without milk is a insanely delicious Indian sweet recipe that comes together in less than 15 minutes. This farali, melt in your mouth dessert prepared with rajgira flour and suitable for a gluten-free diet. Ideal during vrat seasons such as Navratri, Shravan mas or Ekadashi.
Although it is prepared and enjoyed on Indian festivals such as Navratri, Shivratri, Janamasthmi or Ekadashi , you are more than welcome to indulge on any regular day too.
WHAT IS SHIRO OR HALWA?
Siro or Halwa is a typical Indian sweet/confection or dessert made of flour (various kinds) fruits or vegetables, with milk, sugar, nuts and fat such as ghee.
If you prefer vegan halwa, skip dairy products in the recipe.
Indian Halwa is no way near to Halva which you can find in Greek or Israeli shops.
It is a pudding consistency and made by roasting flours in ghee or fruit and veg stewed in milk over stovetop until thick and creamy and eaten with the spoon.
In Indian households, Shiro or halwa is not an everyday dessert but reserved for solely special occasions and small celebrations, however, one can make a simple one like this in a jiffy to please their sweet cravings.
RAJGIRA HALWA WITHOUT MILK
Rajgira halwa also known as Rajgira Ka Halwa, Rajgira Sheera. In Gujarati it is called Rajgara No Shiro.
This is an authentic Indian dessert made of rajgira/amaranth flour. Usually, the flour is roasted in ghee, ( in this recipe I have used coconut oil), combined with sugar.
Then flavoured with cardamom and spiked with slivered nuts and dried edible flower petals.
Generally this amaranth flour halwa prepared with milk, but I also added a secrete ingredient in this Farali Rajgira Aata Halwa to make it extra rich and royal.
We also love this shiro recipe without milk too.
This melt in your mouth dessert is often prepared during the fasting season.
It can be paired with Farali dum aloo ,
Farali Kand/Ratalu Bhaji and
Farali Masala Buckwheat (Kuttu) Poori.
INGREDIENTS
The best thing about this recipe is that this dessert is almost an instant and it is made only with 3 ingredients to wow anyone.
Rajgira-amaranth flour Coconut oil or vegan butter Sugar
HOW TO MAKE RAJGIRA HALWA?
Like I said above that this dessert is almost an Instant and done in a jiffy as there is an only one step recipe.
Start roasting the flour in coconut oil until you see the flour changes colour to light pink and flour releases the tempting aroma.
Add hot water, add the sugar and mix everything for a delicious, aromatic and luscious siro or halwa.
Soft, smooth and just melt in your mouth siro is ready to devour.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Vegan Rajgaro siro tastes best when served hot or warm but not cold.
Another reason to serve warm because in cooler weather coconut oil hardens. It can be consumed on its own or serve alongside a farali meal.
Other Halwa Recipes
Instant Pot Dudhi Halwa
Gajar Ka Halwa
Singhare ka Halwa
As always if you make this recipe, rate it below and tag me on Instagram at @jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all of your photos of my recipe recreations. Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube also. I’d love to keep in touch!
Rajgira Halwa Without Milk
Equipment
- 1 cup for measuring the ingredients 250ml
- 1 heavy bottom pan or kadai
- 1 big spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup amaranth flour rajgira flour
- ½ cup coconut oil or vegan butter
- ¾ cup sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 ½ cup water boiling hot
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon nuts slivered
- 1 teaspoon edible dry rose petals
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a heavy bottom pan, add rajgira flour. 1 cup amaranth flour, 1/2 cup coconut oil
- Roast the flour until it goes pink and roasting aroma starts wafting.
- Por hot water and keep stirring the mixture until all the water evaporates. 1 1/2 cup water
- Now add sugar and mix so well until sugar melts completely and halwa gets a beautiful shine to it. 3/4 cup sugar
- Mix cardamom powder. 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Serve in a serving bowl and garnish the siro/halwa with nuts and rose petals if using. 2 tablespoon nuts, 1 teaspoon edible dry rose petals
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
