Pickled cucumbers

Pickled Cucumbers Recipe – A Delight Prepared with Love

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 24 hours
Boiling time: 15 minutes
Total time: 24 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: Varies, depending on jar sizes

Pickled cucumbers are an excellent choice to add a touch of freshness and crunch to your meals. This traditional recipe is not only easy to make but also full of flavors, making it a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Necessary ingredients:

- 10 kg fresh cucumbers, preferably small-sized
- 5 tablespoons of salt
- Water, enough to cover the cucumbers
- 250 ml vinegar (preferably white wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar per kg of water
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 2-3 celery stalks
- A handful of dill, dried or fresh
- 1-2 carrots, sliced

Necessary tools:

- A large basin for marinating
- Jars or a barrel (depending on the quantity)
- A large pot for boiling water
- A big pot for sterilizing
- A blanket to cover the jars

Step by step preparation:

1. Preparing the brine: Start by boiling water with the 5 tablespoons of salt. This will form the base of the brine. Once the water has boiled, let it cool completely.

2. Marinating the cucumbers: After the water has cooled, pour it over the washed cucumbers. Make sure they are completely submerged. Cover the basin with a lid or plastic wrap and let them sit until the same time the next day (if you started at 8 AM, check them at 8 AM the following day).

3. Washing the cucumbers: The next day, remove the cucumbers from the brine and rinse them well in the same water. This step helps remove excess salt and maintain a balanced flavor.

4. Preparing the jars: In the jars or barrel, add sliced garlic, celery, carrot slices, and dill. These ingredients will add delicious flavors and a touch of freshness.

5. Preparing the brine: Boil water (approximately 5-8 kg, depending on the amount of cucumbers) in a large pot. Add one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of sugar for each kilogram of water. Once the water has boiled, let it cool slightly before adding the vinegar.

6. Filling the jars: Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely covered. Add peppercorns and dill on top.

7. Sealing the jars: Close the jars with their lids and prepare for sterilization. Place the jars in a large pot filled with water, ensuring they are covered. Boil them for 15 minutes. This process helps preserve the flavor and texture of the cucumbers.

8. Cooling the jars: After boiling, remove the jars and wrap them in a blanket to cool gradually. Leave them like this until the next day, allowing the flavor to develop.

9. Enjoy!: Once the jars have cooled completely, you can store them in a cool, dark place. Your pickled cucumbers will be ready to enjoy after about 2 weeks, and their flavor will intensify over time.

Practical tips:

- Choosing cucumbers: Select small, crunchy, and fresh cucumbers. They will preserve better and have a pleasant texture.
- Customization: You can add other spices, such as chili peppers or herbs, to create a unique version of the recipe.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How long can I keep pickled cucumbers? Pickled cucumbers can be stored for 6-12 months if stored properly.
- What can I do with pickled cucumbers? They are delicious as a side dish, in sandwiches, or even in salads.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Cucumbers are low in calories, containing about 16 calories per 100g, and are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.

Delicious pairings: Serve pickled cucumbers alongside a juicy steak or a platter of cheeses and cold cuts. They also pair perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or a gin-based cocktail.

This pickled cucumber recipe not only enriches your meals but also offers you the opportunity to enjoy the cooking process. Each jar becomes a small culinary work of art, filled with the flavors and stories you choose to include. So, enjoy every step and don’t forget to experiment!