Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something tangy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This quick sweet pickles recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of sweet and sour, offering a delightful crunch that will elevate any meal. Whether you're looking for easy recipes for a quick dinner or a simple yet delicious addition to your next barbecue, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. This homemade cooking project is ready in minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a healthy and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (kirby cucumbers are ideal)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice your cucumbers. Aim for consistent slices for even pickling. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform thickness.
-
Combine the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, water, salt, celery seed, mustard seed, peppercorns (if using), and smashed garlic (if using).
-
Simmer the Brine: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. This only takes a few minutes.
-
Pack and Pickle: Pack the cucumber slices tightly into a clean glass jar. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
-
Cool and Chill: Let the jar cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they sit, the more the flavors will meld.
Tips for the Best Sweet Pickles:
- Cucumber Choice: Kirby cucumbers are best for pickling due to their firm texture and smaller seed cavity. Avoid using large, watery cucumbers.
- Sterilizing Jars: While not strictly necessary for this quick recipe, sterilizing your jars in boiling water for a few minutes will help ensure longer shelf life.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. If you prefer a tarter pickle, reduce the sugar; for a sweeter one, add a tablespoon or two more.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Variations:
- Dill Pickles: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dill seeds or fresh dill sprigs for a classic dill pickle flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy Pickles: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Rainbow Pickles: Include thinly sliced red onions, carrots, or bell peppers for a colorful and flavorful variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of pickles. Nutritional information will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. However, a general estimate per 1/2 cup serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 50-70
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Less than 1g
- Fat: Less than 1g
This quick sweet pickles recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious dish as a side to sandwiches, burgers, or alongside your favorite meats. It’s the perfect homemade cooking project for any skill level and will undoubtedly become a new family favorite.