Are you craving a burst of flavor that's both tangy and spicy? Look no further! This easy spicy pickle recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It's a fantastic way to add a homemade touch to your meals, transforming simple sandwiches or adding zest to your favorite curries. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade pickles – it's easier than you think! This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, easily incorporated into your homemade cooking routine. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pickling cucumbers, small and firm (about 6-8)
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2-4 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim the ends. You can leave them whole, halve them lengthwise, or slice them into spears – it's completely up to your preference. For a quicker pickle, smaller pieces are recommended.
Step 2: Create the Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, chili flakes, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This is the magic brine that will transform your cucumbers into delicious pickles!
Step 3: Pack and Pickle
Pack the prepared cucumbers tightly into a clean, sterilized jar. Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top. Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, add a little more water to ensure full submersion.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
Place the jar in a pot, cover with water and bring to a gentle simmer (around 180°F). Simmer the jar for 10 minutes to ensure proper sterilization and flavor infusion.
Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate
Remove the jar from the pot and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to fully meld. The longer you wait (up to a week), the more intense the flavor will become.
Tips for the Best Spicy Pickles:
- Sterilizing Jars: Proper sterilization of your jars is crucial to prevent spoilage. Wash jars and lids thoroughly in hot, soapy water. You can further sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before using.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more if you like it extra spicy!
- Cucumber Size: Smaller cucumbers will pickle faster and more evenly.
- Storage: Once cooled and sealed, your pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Variations:
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the brine for a sweeter pickle.
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Add more minced garlic or even a few slices of fresh ginger for a more pungent flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh dill sprigs or other herbs like thyme or oregano to the jar for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the cucumbers and the amount you consume. However, pickles are generally low in calories and a good source of vinegar, which has some health benefits. Specific nutritional information requires a more precise recipe breakdown using a nutritional calculator.
This easy spicy pickle recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and zesty flavor – it's the perfect homemade treat!