Are you craving a crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet snack? Look no further! This sweet fridge pickle recipe is the perfect solution. Forget lengthy canning processes; these pickles are ready in just a few hours and require no special equipment. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pickles, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite sandwiches, burgers, or enjoyed as a standalone snack. It's an easy recipe, a healthy meal addition, and a great quick dinner idea if you're looking for something simple yet delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pickling cucumbers, small to medium size
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the blossom ends. If using larger cucumbers, you can slice them into spears or smaller chunks. For optimal results, using smaller cucumbers will help them pickle more evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Combine the Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let the brine cool slightly.
Step 3: Pack the Jars
Pack the prepared cucumbers, garlic, red onion (if using), mustard seeds, celery seeds, and peppercorns into clean, sterilized pint-sized jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top.
Step 4: Pour and Seal
Carefully pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave that half-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, and seal with lids and rings.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Refrigerate the jars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pickles to fully develop their flavor. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they will become, though they'll be delicious after just a few hours.
Tips for the Best Sweet Fridge Pickles:
- Use small cucumbers: Smaller cucumbers pickle faster and more evenly.
- Sterilize your jars: This helps prevent spoilage. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Don't overpack the jars: Leave that headspace for expansion.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add other spices: Experiment with different spices like dill, turmeric, or red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Sweet Pickles: Add a few sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the jars for a spicy kick.
- Dill Sweet Pickles: Add fresh dill sprigs to the jars for a classic dill pickle flavor with a sweet twist.
- Garlic Lover's Pickles: Increase the amount of garlic to your liking!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. One serving is considered approximately 1/2 cup.
- Calories: 30-40
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Sodium: 200-300mg
These sweet fridge pickles are a fantastic homemade addition to your culinary repertoire. They’re a delicious and healthy snack, a perfect complement to any meal, and a great way to impress your friends and family with your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!