Pickles are one of the most popular accompaniments to any meal. They add a tangy, sour flavor that complements a wide range of dishes. However, many store-bought pickles are loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors. The good news is that making your own pickles at home is easy and fun. In this article, we'll be sharing our favorite recipe for homemade pickles.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 pound of cucumbers
1 cup of water
1 cup of white vinegar
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
1 bay leaf
Cucumbers
The most important ingredient in any pickle recipe is the cucumbers. You'll want to use fresh, firm cucumbers that are free of any blemishes or soft spots. It's also important to choose cucumbers that are the right size for your jars. Smaller cucumbers are best for pickling, as they have a firmer texture and will absorb the brine more easily.
Vinegar
The vinegar in this recipe is what gives the pickles their tangy flavor. You can use any type of vinegar, but we recommend using white vinegar. It has a milder flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.
Spices
The spices in this recipe are what give the pickles their unique flavor. You can adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste, but we recommend using the amounts listed in the recipe for the best flavor. The garlic, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaf all work together to create a delicious brine that will make your pickles irresistible.
Instructions
Now that you have all of your ingredients, it's time to start pickling! Here's how to make our favorite recipe for homemade pickles:
Wash the cucumbers and slice them into rounds.
In a small saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Place the cucumber slices into a clean jar.
Pour the brine over the cucumbers, making sure that they are completely covered.
Place the lid on the jar and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, transfer the jar to the refrigerator.
Your pickles will be ready to eat in 3-4 days.
Storage
Once your pickles are ready, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they will become.
Nutrition
Homemade pickles are a healthy addition to any meal. They are low in calories and fat, and are a good source of vitamin K. However, it's important to keep in mind that pickles are high in sodium. If you're watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your consumption of pickles.
Conclusion
Making your own pickles at home is easy and fun. With this recipe, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, tangy pickles that are free of preservatives and artificial flavors. Whether you're adding them to sandwiches, burgers, or salads, homemade pickles are a delicious addition to any meal. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself how easy it is to make your own pickles at home!
