Introduction
Get ready to crunch into these irresistible homemade Dill Pickles! Perfect for snacking or adding a zesty zing to your favorite sandwiches, these pickles are easy to make and bursting with flavor. With a tangy brine, crunchiness, and a hint of spice, you’ll find yourself reaching for these delicious treats time and time again.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Brine:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- For the Pickles:
- 1 pound Kirby cucumbers, sliced into spears
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 teaspoons dill seed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh dill sprigs
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours (plus cooling)
- Yield: Approximately 10 pickle spears
Directions
1. In a saucepan, bring the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar to a simmer until the salt and sugar dissolve. Cool completely.
2. Pack cucumber spears into a clean jar. Add garlic, dill seed, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and fresh dill.
3. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they’re completely submerged.
4. Seal the jar and pop it into the fridge. Let these babies sit for at least 24 hours to soak up all that flavorful goodness.
5. Snack time! Enjoy anytime for that homemade pickle perfection.
Nutritional Information
Crunch into these pickles with about 5 calories per spear and zero guilt!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brine
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar completely dissolve. Remove from heat and allow the brine to cool completely.
Step 2: Pack the Jar
Take 1 pound of Kirby cucumbers and slice them into spears. Pack the cucumber spears tightly into a clean jar, ensuring there’s enough space to add the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
To the jar with the packed cucumbers, add 4 smashed garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of dill seed, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and a few fresh dill sprigs.
Step 4: Pour the Brine
Once the brine has cooled completely, carefully pour it over the cucumber spears in the jar. Make sure the cucumbers are completely submerged in the brine to ensure even pickling.
Step 5: Seal and Refrigerate
Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the pickles to marinate for at least 24 hours to absorb all the flavorful goodness.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Pickles
After waiting a day, your homemade dill pickles are ready to be enjoyed! Snack on them straight from the jar or use them to add a zesty touch to your sandwiches.
Notes
Storage
These homemade dill pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Choosing Cucumbers
Kirby cucumbers are ideal for pickling due to their crunchiness and shape.
Cook techniques
Brine Preparation
Combine the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a saucepan and heat until dissolved for a balanced brine.
Cucumber Selection
Choose Kirby cucumbers for their firm texture and crunch, which hold up well during pickling.
Packing the Jar
Ensure cucumbers are packed tightly in the jar, allowing the flavors of garlic, dill, and spices to permeate effectively.
Submerging the Pickles
Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully submerged to absorb the flavors.
Chilling Time
Refrigerate the jars for at least 24 hours for optimal flavor infusion before enjoying.
FAQ
How long do homemade dill pickles last in the fridge?
Homemade dill pickles can last for several weeks in the refrigerator, usually up to 2 months if properly sealed.
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
While Kirby cucumbers are ideal, you can try other varieties, but they may not be as crunchy.
What can I do if I want my pickles to be spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or even sliced fresh chili peppers to the jar before adding the brine.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of distilled white vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar, which will impart a slightly different flavor to the pickles.
Why is it important to let the pickles sit for 24 hours?
Allowing the pickles to sit for at least 24 hours helps them absorb the brine and flavors for the best taste.
Conclusion
