Facing a fridge full of forgotten vegetables destined for the bin? Look no further than this Easy Homemade Pickle Recipe! Perfect for using up leftover herbs, carrot ends, or stray radishes, this recipe transforms those potential scraps into a delightful and tangy condiment. In just a few simple steps, you’ll be pickling your way to reduced food waste and adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards. So, embrace the power of leftovers and get ready to enjoy delicious homemade pickles made with minimal effort and zero waste!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 3 days

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Easy Homemade Pickle Recipe

Easy Homemade Pickle Recipe Ingredients:

Making your own pickles is easier than you think! This recipe allows you to transform cucumbers into delicious and tangy Easy Homemade Pickles. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cucumbers: The star of the show! Choose firm cucumbers like Kirby or pickling cucumbers for the best results. You’ll need about 1 pound (around 4-5 cucumbers).

• For the Brine:

  • Water (2 cups)
  • White vinegar (2 cups) – Distilled white vinegar is a common choice, but you can also experiment with rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for slightly different flavor profiles.
  • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
  • Salt (1 tablespoon) – Fine sea salt or kosher salt work well.
  • Pickling Spices (Optional): A teaspoon of pickling spice adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the pickles. You can find pre-made pickling spice blends at most grocery stores, or create your own using mustard seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and dill seeds.

• Fresh Aromatics:

  • Garlic cloves (2-3, smashed)
  • Fresh dill sprigs (a few) – Fresh dill is highly recommended for the best flavor, but 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

Optional Additions:

• Fresh Herbs: For additional flavor layers, consider adding a bay leaf, a few peppercorns, or a dried red chili pepper to the brine.
• Sweetener Variation: Honey (1 tablespoon) can be used as a substitute for sugar, adding a slightly different sweetness to the pickles.

Easy Homemade Pickle Instructions:

Turning cucumbers into delightful Easy Homemade Pickles is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious and tangy treat:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly (rounds, spears, or wedges, depending on your preference).

2. Pack the Cucumbers in Jars: Pack the sliced cucumbers tightly into clean and sterilized glass jars.

3. Make the Brine: In a saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pickling spice (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Add Aromatics and Brine: Add the smashed garlic cloves and fresh dill sprigs to the jars with the cucumbers. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely submerged in the liquid.

5. Seal and Store: Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them tightly with lids. Let the pickles cool completely at room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, ideally longer (up to a week) for the flavors to develop fully.

Tips:

• Use sterilized jars for safe storage. Briefly boil the jars and lids before using to ensure they are free of bacteria.
• Leave some headspace in the jar, about 1/2 inch, when filling with cucumbers and brine.
• For quicker pickling, use thinly sliced cucumbers.

Easy Homemade Pickle Serving Suggestions:

Easy Homemade Pickles are a tangy and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Classic Condiment: Serve them alongside burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or wraps for a burst of flavor and acidity.
• Cheese Platter Addition: Add them to a cheese platter for a delightful sweet, salty, and tangy contrast.
• Salad Enhancer: Chopped pickles can add a delicious flavor boost to salads.
• Bloody Mary Essential: They are a must-have ingredient for a perfectly balanced Bloody Mary cocktail.
• Snack Straight from the Jar: Enjoy them straight from the jar as a satisfying and tangy snack!

Why Easy Homemade Pickles Are a Great Leftover Recipe:

Easy Homemade Pickles are champions of leftovers! Here’s why they continue to be delicious even after extended storage:

• Extended Shelf Life: Pickles are shelf-stable due to the pickling process. They can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, or even months, and continue to develop flavor over time.
• Flavor Enhances with Time: The flavors of the pickles actually mature and intensify as they sit in the brine, making them even tastier after a few days or weeks.
• No Spoilage Concerns: The pickling process preserves the cucumbers, preventing spoilage and food waste.

So, keep calm and pickle on! Easy Homemade Pickles are a delicious and resourceful way to enjoy cucumbers and have a tangy condiment on hand for weeks to come.

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.