Are you ready to experience a burst of tangy, crunchy flavor? Forget waiting weeks for traditional pickled green tomatoes! This recipe delivers delicious, refrigerator pickled green tomatoes in just a few hours. Perfect as a quick snack, a vibrant side dish, or a unique addition to your favorite sandwich, these pickles are incredibly easy to make and will impress even the most seasoned pickle connoisseurs. Get ready to transform those green tomatoes into a culinary delight!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green tomatoes, sliced about ⅛ inch thick
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and slice the green tomatoes. Aim for even thickness to ensure consistent pickling. If you have some oddly shaped tomatoes, don't worry; they’ll still pickle beautifully.
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Create the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This is your pickling brine, the magic ingredient that transforms your green tomatoes.
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Layer the Jars: Pack the sliced green tomatoes tightly into clean glass jars. If using, add the red onion slices between the tomato layers for an extra pop of flavor and color. Add the mustard seeds, celery seeds, peppercorns, and smashed garlic cloves to the jars, distributing them evenly among the tomatoes.
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Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
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Refrigerate and Wait: Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they sit (up to a week), the more the flavors will meld and deepen.
Tips for Perfect Pickled Green Tomatoes:
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: The fresher your green tomatoes, the better the flavor of your pickles will be.
- Even Slicing: Consistent slicing ensures even pickling. Thicker slices will take longer to pickle.
- Sterilize Jars (Optional): For longer shelf life, you can sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before using. This is especially useful if you plan to store the pickles for more than a week.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or experiment with different types of peppercorns.
Variations:
- Spicy Pickles: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the brine for a spicy kick.
- Dill Pickles: Add a few sprigs of fresh dill to the jars for a classic dill pickle flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Pickles: Increase the sugar slightly and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. A single serving might contain approximately:
- Calories: 25-30
- Carbohydrates: 6-7g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
These refrigerator pickled green tomatoes make a fantastic addition to any meal. Serve them as a refreshing side dish, use them in sandwiches, or enjoy them straight from the jar. The process is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding—a testament to the magic of homemade cooking and delicious dishes! Enjoy!