Aquavit-Cured Salmon with Cucumber Salad (Oceania)

½ cup sea salt

1 teaspoon crushed red peppercorns

½ cup brown sugar

1 bunch dill, finely chopped

1 pound salmon fillet, boned and trimmed

2 tablespoons aquavit

2 English cucumbers

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt

3 tablespoons minced dill

2 tablespoons capers

3 tablespoons sour cream

Freshly ground black pepper

Mix together the salt, pepper, sugar, and dill. Sprinkle half of the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap three times the size of the salmon. Sprinkle the salmon with aquavit. Place the salmon, skin side down, on the curing mixture, and then cover the fish with the rest of the curing mixture. Wrap the fish tightly in the plastic wrap and place it on a plate. Cover with another plate, weighed down with 2 to 3 cans or bottles. Set the plate in the refrigerator.

Turn the fish every 12 hours, draining off any brine that forms. Depending on the thickness of the fish, it will be ready in 24 to 48 hours, although you can let it cure for up to 4 days. Unwrap the fish when you are ready to serve and gently rinse off the cure. Thinly slice.

Slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible. Mix all other ingredients in a bowl. Add the cucumber and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve as an accompaniment to the salmon.