Thursday, December 25, 2025

Fresh Pickled Cucumbers


 There's nothing quite like the crisp, tangy bite of a homemade pickle. These quick-pickled cucumbers capture the bright essence of summer in a jar—perfectly crunchy, refreshingly tart, and just a touch sweet. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a delightful way to add a pop of flavor to sandwiches, salads, or your snack plate.

Why You'll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, requiring no special canning skills or lengthy fermentation. With just fresh vegetables and a simple simmered brine, you can create a pickle that’s far superior to store-bought. The secret is in the quick salting step, which guarantees that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 7 large pickling cucumbers, unpeeled and thinly sliced (about 7 cups)

  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)

  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers (a mix of green and red is lovely)

  • 1 tablespoon salt

For the Brine:

  • 1 cup white vinegar

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 1 teaspoon celery seed

  • 1 teaspoon mustard seed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers. Sprinkle with the salt and toss thoroughly to coat. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour. This step draws out excess water, ensuring your pickles stay crisp.

2. Rinse and Drain:
After an hour, drain the liquid released from the vegetables. Give them a quick rinse under cold water to remove the excess salt, then drain well in a colander.

3. Make the Pickling Brine:
While the vegetables drain, combine the vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and mustard seed in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

4. Combine and Jar:
Transfer the drained vegetables to a large, clean bowl or jar. Pour the warm brine over them, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

5. Marinate for Flavor:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together.

6. Enjoy!
Serve chilled as a vibrant side, a burger topping, or a refreshing snack straight from the jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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