Szechuan cucumber relish

http://www.chinesehomecooking.com/

Servings: 2 - 3

Ingredients:

1 ¼ lbs. cucumbers
15 slices garlic
1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorn
1 teaspoon hot bean paste
2 Tablespoons hot chili oil
1 Tablespoon salt
2 teaspoon sugar
1 Tablespoon brown vinegar
2 Tablespoons sesame oil

Directions:

1. Cut off and discard both tips of the cucumber. Cut the cucumber in half by making one cut from end to end. Repeat this step for each half to yield 4 long quarter strips. Discard the seeds. Then cut each strip into 2" long pieces in any shape you'd like. Put the cucumbers in a bowl, mix with salt, and let it marinate for 2 to 3 hours.
2. Wash the cucumbers with cold water, and put in a strainer to drain off some moisture. Then put them back in a bowl.
3. Add the garlic slices, Szechuan peppercorns, hot bean paste, hot chili oil, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well, let it marinate for about 3 hours, and it's ready to serve.