Making
pickles at home is an excellent way to save money and ensure that you always
have a tasty snack on hand. This guide will teach you how to make spicy pickles
using a simple and easy method. With just a few ingredients and some time, you
can enjoy delicious pickles that pack a punch.
Materials
- 1 lb cucumbers (4-6 small)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and halved
- 2 fresh dill sprigs OR 1/2 teaspoon dill seed
- 10 peppercorns OR 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Step One: Prepare the cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers and slice them into ¼-inch slices. If you want to remove the seeds, you can do so by slicing the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scooping them out with a spoon.
Step Two: Make the pickling solution
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Add the garlic cloves and peppercorns and remove from the heat. Let stand for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
In a medium bowl, combine the cucumbers, onions, chilies, and cilantro. Pour in
the pickling solution and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
or up to 24 hours before serving.
Step Three: Add the cucumbers to the pickling solution
The cucumbers are the star of the show in this recipe, so you want to make sure
they are treated right. Start by giving them a good rinse under running water.
Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin pieces.
You can cut them into rounds, half-moons, or whatever shape you like. Just make
sure they are all about the same thickness so that they will pickle evenly.
Once your cucumbers are sliced, add them to the pickling solution and stir
gently to combine. You want to make sure that all of the cucumbers are fully
submerged in the liquid, so if necessary, add more vinegar or water. Let the
cucumbers sit in the pickling solution for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24
hours if you want a more intense flavor.
Step Four: Wait
At this point, you might be wondering, "How long do I have to wait for my
pickles to be done?" The answer, unfortunately, is not entirely clear.
Depending on the recipe you're using, as well as the ingredients and methods
involved, your pickles could be ready to eat in as little as 24 hours or they
could take up to several weeks.
In general, though, you can expect most quick pickle recipes to take between 2
and 7 days. And while that might seem like a long time to wait for a snack, we
promise it's worth it. These pickles are so good, you'll want to make a double
batch (or more)!
Step Five: Enjoy!
Now that your pickles are complete, it's time to enjoy them! Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place, and they should last for several weeks. Eat them on their own as a snack, or add them to your favorite recipes for a little extra flavor and spice. Thanks for following along, and happy pickling!