Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that adds a burst of flavor to any meal? Look no further! This recipe for pickled cucumbers and onions is a delightful homemade condiment, perfect for adding a tangy kick to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, or simply enjoyed as a delicious side dish. It's a simple recipe that yields incredibly flavorful results, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 4 medium cucumbers)
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions:
Wash the cucumbers and onions thoroughly. Thinly slice both using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for even slices. If you prefer less intense onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for 15-20 minutes before pickling to remove some of the pungency.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot:
In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, celery seed, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 3: Pickle the Vegetables:
Carefully transfer the sliced cucumbers and onions to a clean glass jar. Pack them tightly to ensure they are submerged in the pickling liquid.
Step 4: Pour the Brine Over the Vegetables:
Pour the hot pickling brine over the cucumbers and onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
Step 5: Cool and Refrigerate:
Allow the jar to cool to room temperature. Once cool, cover the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
Tips and Variations:
- For crispier pickles: Use pickling cucumbers, which have a firmer texture than regular slicing cucumbers. You can also add a few ice cubes to the jar before pouring the hot brine to help them stay crisp.
- Spice it up: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Dill Delight: Add a few sprigs of fresh dill to the jar for a classic dill pickle flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: Increase the sugar for a sweeter pickle, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Fat: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
- Protein: Negligible
This pickled cucumbers and onions recipe is a simple yet incredibly versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s a delicious and healthy way to add a tangy zing to your favorite dishes, and it's also a fantastic way to use up excess cucumbers from your garden. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe! It's perfect for adding a little homemade love to your meals and making even the simplest sandwich a delicious experience. From easy recipes to the best recipes, this one is definitely a keeper.