Pickled cucumbers in brine

Pickled Cucumbers in Brine - A Homemade Delicacy

Pickled cucumbers are a classic and highly appreciated dish, often found in households around the world. These cucumbers not only make a delicious side dish for various main courses, but they can also add extra flavor to salads or sandwiches. Additionally, the pickling process is an excellent way to preserve vegetables for the winter, maintaining their taste and crunchy texture. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step, providing you with tips and useful advice to achieve the best pickled cucumbers.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 48 hours
Total Time: 48 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 4-6 jars (800 ml each)

Ingredients

- 1 kg cucumbers (choose small, fresh, and firm cucumbers)
- 40-50 g coarse salt (non-iodized, of good quality)
- 1 liter water (cold)
- 1 bunch of dill (fresh or dried)
- 1 bunch of thyme
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 8-10 cherry leaves
- 2 celery sprigs (leaves)
- 20-30 peppercorns
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- A piece of fresh horseradish (about 10 cm)

Preparation

1. Preparing the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers well under cold running water. After that, place them in a container with cold water and 10 g of salt for each liter of water. Let them soak for about 3 hours. This step is essential as it helps maintain the elasticity and crunchiness of the cucumbers.

2. Preparing the Brine
In a large pot, measure 20-25 g of non-iodized coarse salt for each liter of water. Add water and all the spices: dill, thyme, bay leaves, cherry leaves, celery, and peppercorns. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

3. Packing the Cucumbers in Jars
After the cucumbers have soaked, rinse them again under cold water. Arrange them in 800 ml or 1.7 l jars, packing them tightly so they stand well “soldier-like.” This trick will help them stay crunchy.

4. Adding Garlic and Horseradish
Peel the garlic cloves and cut them in half or thirds, then add them to the jars. Add a pinch of ground pepper, a tablespoon of mustard seeds, and the cut horseradish arranged in a cross shape to keep the cucumbers well pressed.

5. Pouring the Brine
Using a ladle, pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, filling the jars to the brim. It is important to use the brine as hot as possible to prevent the cucumbers from spoiling. Ensure all ingredients are completely covered by liquid.

6. Sealing the Jars
Cover the jars with lids and leave them in the kitchen for 48 hours. This step allows natural fermentation to occur, developing savory flavors.

7. Completing the Pickling Process
After 48 hours, carefully turn the jars upside down to drain the cloudy brine, ensuring the cucumbers remain in the jar. Boil the drained brine again, then let it simmer for 10 minutes. Refill the jars with hot brine and seal them.

8. Storage
Finally, you can take the jars to a cellar or a cool, dark place. The pickled cucumbers will become better over time as the flavors intensify.

Tips and Tricks

- Choosing Cucumbers: Opt for small, uniform cucumbers with smooth skin. They will preserve better and have a crunchy texture.
- Brine: Adjust the amount of salt according to your preferences, but remember that salt is essential for preservation.
- Spices: You can experiment with various herbs, such as marjoram or basil, to customize the recipe.
- Durability: Pickled cucumbers can last up to two years, but it is recommended to consume them within six months to enjoy their maximum flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Pickled cucumbers are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are low in calories and high in water content, making them ideal for a healthy diet. Additionally, the fermentation process contributes to gut health by introducing probiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to use non-iodized salt?
Iodized salt can affect the fermentation process, and the cucumbers may not preserve properly.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the jars?
Yes, you can add carrots or onions to try different flavor combinations.

3. How can I tell if the cucumbers have spoiled?
If you notice an unpleasant smell or the appearance of mold, you should discard them.

Serving and Pairings

Pickled cucumbers are an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes, sandwiches, or salads. You can serve them alongside a cold beer or a white wine, thus completing a delicious meal.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to try this recipe for pickled cucumbers in brine. Taste, share with friends, and enjoy the authentic flavor of homemade pickles!

 Ingredients: cucumbers, coarse salt (high quality, white, not gray), cherry and celery leaves, sprigs of dill and thyme, garlic, whole pepper, ground pepper, bay leaves, horseradish, mustard seeds