Are you craving the satisfying crunch of homemade pickles but don't want a jar full? This small batch pickle recipe is perfect for those who want delicious, tangy pickles without the commitment of a large canning project. It’s a fantastic recipe for easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas – ideal for adding a zesty kick to your sandwiches or enjoying as a satisfying snack. This recipe makes a small amount, perfect for testing out different flavor combinations or simply satisfying a craving for homemade goodness. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups small pickling cucumbers (about 4-6), scrubbed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small red chili pepper, sliced (optional, for added heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the blossom ends. You can leave them whole, halve them lengthwise, or cut them into spears – your choice! The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll pickle.
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Combine Brine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, chili pepper (if using), and dill seeds. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
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Pack the Jars: Pack the prepared cucumbers tightly into a clean, sterilized pint-sized jar or a small, sealable container.
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Pour Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
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Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature. Once cool, seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or up to a week, for optimal flavor. The pickles will continue to improve in flavor as they sit in the refrigerator.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pickles:
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Use small cucumbers: Smaller cucumbers, like pickling cucumbers, are ideal for this recipe as they tend to be firmer and crispier.
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Sterilize your jar: For longer shelf life (though this small batch is best enjoyed fresh), sterilize your jar by washing it thoroughly in hot, soapy water and rinsing it well.
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Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs. Add more garlic, chili, or dill seeds depending on your preferences. Experimenting is part of the fun of homemade cooking!
Variations:
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Dill Pickle Variation: Increase the dill seeds to 1 teaspoon for a more intense dill flavor.
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Garlic Pickle Variation: Add more smashed garlic cloves for a stronger garlic punch. Four or five cloves would make a great garlic pickle.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. One serving is approximately 1/4 of the total batch.
- Calories: Approximately 20-25
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: High (due to the salt in the brine)
This small batch pickle recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pickles. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes, healthy meals, delicious dishes, and quick dinner ideas. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one certainly fits the bill. Enjoy!