Pickled cucumbers in brine
Pickled cucumbers in brine – a classic recipe, full of flavor and tradition! This delicious dish is perfect for adding a touch of freshness and crunch to your meals, making it an ideal companion for sandwiches, roasts, or even as a snack. Besides being delicious, pickled cucumbers in brine also offer nutritional benefits, being a rich source of probiotics that help maintain gut health. Let's discover together how to prepare them!
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Fermentation time: 2-3 days
Number of servings: 2 jars of 2 kg
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of young and healthy cucumbers
- 1 liter of water (for brine)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of coarse salt (per 1 liter of water)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of peppercorns
- 2-3 sprigs of dried dill flowers
- 2 cherry leaves
A brief story about pickles
Pickles are an integral part of culinary traditions in many cultures, serving to preserve vegetables and fruits for consumption during winter. This type of preservation not only extends the shelf life of food but also intensifies flavors, transforming fresh vegetables into tasty delicacies. Pickled cucumbers have become a symbol of summer, often associated with picnics and outdoor meals.
Step by step: How to make pickled cucumbers in brine
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by choosing young and healthy cucumbers. Ideally, you should select small cucumbers, as they pickle better and become crunchier. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities.
Step 2: Arranging in jars
In the 2 kg jars, arrange the cucumbers as compactly as possible to maximize space. You can place them vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference. Between the cucumbers, add a few whole cloves of garlic and peppercorns for added flavor. Then add the dried dill flower sprigs and cherry leaves, which will give a distinctive note to the dish.
Step 3: Preparing the brine
In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add 1 heaping tablespoon of coarse salt and stir until the salt completely dissolves. It is important to use coarse salt to achieve a balanced brine that will help in the proper fermentation of the cucumbers.
Step 4: Pouring the brine
Once the brine is ready, pour it hot over the cucumbers, being careful not to fill the jars completely. The brine should cover the cucumbers, but leave some space at the top to allow for fermentation. This step is essential to prevent the brine from overflowing during fermentation.
Step 5: Fermentation
Cover the jars with a lid, but do not seal them tightly. You can leave the jars in the sun for 2-3 days, making sure to "air" them (gently shake) a few times a day to help mix the ingredients. During this period, the cucumbers will begin to ferment, developing their specific flavor.
Step 6: Storage
After fermentation is complete, move the jars to a cool place. If you notice a film (a white layer) forming in the jars, don't worry! Simply remove the film and shake the brine to prevent unpleasant odors. Pickled cucumbers can be enjoyed during the summer, but if stored properly, they can also be consumed in winter.
Useful tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the cucumbers will significantly influence the final taste. Pick the best ones!
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different spices. For example, add bay leaves, horseradish, or even hot peppers for a spicy note.
- Serving: Pickled cucumbers are delicious alongside a pork roast or in a sandwich with smoked meat. You can also serve them as an appetizer, paired with a cold drink, such as mint tea or beer.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if the brine becomes cloudy?
This is a normal part of the fermentation process. If you notice a film on the surface of the brine, remove it and continue the process.
How long can I keep pickled cucumbers?
If stored under optimal conditions, they can last for several months, even up to a year.
Nutritional benefits
Pickled cucumbers are low in calories, having about 15-20 calories per 100 g. They also provide a good source of fiber and probiotics, which support digestion and gut health.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get to work! Enjoy the cooking process and the flavors of summer with this simple and delicious recipe for pickled cucumbers in brine. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: smaller cucumbers, brine (for 1 liter use 1 tablespoon heaping coarse salt), dried dill flower stems, 2 cherry leaves, 4-5 cloves of garlic for a 2 kg jar, 1/4 teaspoon peppercorns
