Are you ready to spice up your next barbecue or add a unique twist to your favorite sandwich? Look no further! This Red Hot Cinnamon Pickle recipe is a delicious explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will leave you craving more. Forget those bland, store-bought pickles; this homemade recipe is incredibly easy, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a flavor punch that's truly unforgettable. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the pickling cucumbers. Using a mandoline slicer ensures even slices for consistent pickling. If you don't have one, a sharp knife will do just fine.
-
Combine the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, cinnamon, red pepper flakes, and cloves (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
-
Pack the Jars: While the brine simmers, prepare your sterilized jars. Pack the sliced cucumbers tightly into the jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top.
-
Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave that half-inch of headspace.
-
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 preservation and a longer shelf life. Always follow safe canning procedures to prevent spoilage.
-
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely. You should hear a satisfying “pop” as the jars seal. Once cool, check the seals to ensure they are airtight. Store in a cool, dark place. Allow the pickles to sit for at least 24 hours, preferably a few days or even a week, for the flavors to fully develop.
Tips for the Best Red Hot Cinnamon Pickles:
- Pickling Cucumbers: Using pickling cucumbers is crucial for the best results. They have a firmer texture that holds up well during the pickling process.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with less and add more if you like things extra fiery!
- Sweetness: Similarly, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
Delicious Variations:
- Garlic Cinnamon Pickles: Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic to the brine for an extra savory kick.
- Ginger Cinnamon Pickles: A teaspoon of grated fresh ginger adds a delightful zing.
- Mustard Seed Cinnamon Pickles: A teaspoon of mustard seeds adds a subtle, peppery flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 25
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
This Red Hot Cinnamon Pickles recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. These pickles are delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make. They're perfect for adding a unique and flavorful touch to your favorite dishes, making them a wonderful addition to your collection of best recipes. They also make a great and thoughtful homemade gift!