Pickled cucumbers are a delicious and refreshing addition to many dishes. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own pickled cucumbers:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 small cucumbers (preferably Persian or English cucumbers)
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds (or fresh dill sprigs)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 small onion (optional, thinly sliced)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into rounds, spears, or any shape you prefer.
- Make the Pickling Brine:
- In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let the brine cool for a few minutes.
- Pack the Jars:
- Place the cucumber slices, garlic, mustard seeds, dill seeds (or sprigs), red pepper flakes, and onion (if using) into a clean, sterilized jar. Pack them tightly, but don’t crush the cucumbers.
- Pour the Brine:
- Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers in the jar, making sure the cucumbers are fully submerged. You can press them down gently if needed. If there is any excess brine, you can discard it or store it in the fridge.
- Seal and Refrigerate:
- Seal the jar with a lid and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating to allow the flavors to develop. For best results, let them sit for 2-3 days.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your homemade pickled cucumbers as a snack, on sandwiches, in salads, or as a side dish. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks.
Feel free to experiment with the spices and herbs based on your preferences—things like black peppercorns, bay leaves, or coriander seeds also work well!
