Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion? Forget store-bought pickles; this recipe will teach you how to make Famous Dave's style sweet and spicy pickles – crunchy, tangy, and bursting with addictive flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, a quick dinner side, or impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills. These delicious dishes are also a healthy addition to any meal, offering a refreshing and flavorful crunch. Get ready to discover one of the best recipes you'll ever try!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pickling cucumbers, small and firm
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim the ends. You can leave them whole, halve them lengthwise, or cut them into spears – your choice! For a truly crunchy pickle, consider using pickling cucumbers specifically bred for their firmness.
Step 2: Create the Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, garlic, and red onion (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugars and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 3: Pack the Jars
Pack the prepared cucumbers tightly into clean, sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Step 4: Pour the Brine
Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave that 1/2-inch headspace.
Step 5: Seal and Process
Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids and rings on tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This ensures safe and long-term storage. If you don't have a canner, you can store these pickles in the refrigerator and they will be ready to eat in a few days.
Tips for Perfect Pickles:
- Sterilize your jars: This is crucial for preventing spoilage. Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse and sterilize in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Use the right cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are small and firm, ideal for crisp pickles. Avoid using large or soft cucumbers.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Start with less and add more to your liking.
- Experiment with flavors: Add other spices like dill seeds, turmeric, or ginger for unique flavor profiles.
Variations:
- Dill Pickles: Add 1/4 cup of fresh dill sprigs to the jars along with the cucumbers.
- Garlic Dill Pickles: Increase the amount of garlic and add dill for a more intense flavor.
- Sweet Pickles: Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes for a sweeter pickle with less heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary based on the number of pickles, however a typical serving will be low in calories and fat, and a good source of sodium and vinegar. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients and serving size.
These Famous Dave's inspired sweet and spicy pickles are the perfect addition to any burger, sandwich, or as a tasty snack. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade cooking! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, providing a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Happy pickling!