Pickled cucumbers
Delicious Pickled Cucumber Recipe - A Summer Preserve Full of Freshness and Flavor
Pickled cucumbers are an excellent choice for preserving the taste of summer all year round. This recipe is perfect for those who want to bring a delicious yet healthy accompaniment to the table. Whether you use them in salads, as a side dish, or simply as an appetizer, pickled cucumbers will add a splash of freshness to any meal.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 jars of 800g
Key ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh cucumbers
- 1 large carrot (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (julienned)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (sliced)
- 2-3 horseradish leaves
- Dill stems and flowers (about 1-2 bunches)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a spicy taste)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 liter vinegar (for the salad solution)
- 4 liters water (for the weaker solution)
Preparing pickled cucumbers:
1. Wash and prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the cucumbers well under cold running water. Make sure they are clean and free of impurities. Cut off the ends of the cucumbers, and if they are too large, you can cut them in half or quarters.
2. Arrange the ingredients in jars: In the 800g jars, add a layer of carrot rounds, julienned onion, garlic slices, horseradish leaves, dill, hot pepper, and mustard seeds. Then, fill with cucumbers, ensuring they are tightly packed.
3. Preparing the vinegar solution: In a pot, combine 1 liter of vinegar with 2 liters of water. Add 3 tablespoons of salt and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. This solution is ideal for salads and serving.
4. Pouring the solution over the cucumbers: Once the solution is well mixed, carefully pour it over the cucumbers, ensuring it completely covers all the ingredients in the jar.
5. Sealing the jars: Screw the lids on the jars tightly. Now, it’s time to sterilize them. Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water and let them boil for 5 minutes from the moment the water starts to boil.
6. Cooling and storing: After you finish sterilizing the jars, carefully remove them and wrap them in a blanket to cool gradually. Once they are completely cooled, store them in a pantry or a cool, dark place.
7. Preparing the weaker solution: For the second solution, combine 1 liter of vinegar with 4 liters of water, adding 1 tablespoon of salt and sugar for each liter of resulting liquid. This will be a weaker solution, ideal for various salads and dishes.
Useful tips:
- Make sure to use fresh, crunchy cucumbers, preferably from your garden or the market.
- You can experiment with various spices by adding dried dill or other herbs for a personalized taste.
- If you like spicier dishes, feel free to add more hot peppers or even cayenne pepper to the jar.
- Check the jars periodically to ensure they have not emptied or shown signs of fermentation.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
Pickled cucumbers are a healthy option, low in calories. A 100g serving contains approximately 15 calories, being an excellent source of vitamins (A, C, and K) and minerals. Consuming cucumbers can help hydrate the body and support digestion due to their high water and fiber content.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of vinegar? Yes, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the taste will vary.
- How long can I keep pickled cucumbers? They can usually be stored for up to a year, but for optimal taste, it is recommended to consume them within the first 6 months.
- How can I use pickled cucumbers? This preparation is perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish for various meals.
Serving suggestions:
Pickled cucumbers pair wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of an appetizer platter. You can also combine them with a tomato and feta cheese salad for a contrast of flavors and textures.
In conclusion, the pickled cucumber recipe is a simple and delicious way to preserve the taste of summer. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and personalize your own preparation style. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process, and when you open a jar, you will truly feel the joy of flavors from the past!
Ingredients: cucumbers onion garlic horseradish dill stalks and flowers carrot hot pepper mustard seeds, coriander peppercorns salt, sugar vinegar
