Pickles

Recipe for Pickled Cucumbers: A Delicacy at Home

Pickled cucumbers are a classic dish, a recipe that has crossed generations, spreading summer aromas and memories in every jar. These crunchy and tangy cucumbers are perfect to accompany any meal, offering a fresh note and a pleasant contrast to main dishes. Moreover, preserving vegetables is an excellent way to take advantage of garden produce, even in the cold season. So, let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Sterilization time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 1 jar of 800 ml

Necessary ingredients:

- 3-4 tablespoons of wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 onion slices
- A few carrot slices (optional, for added color)
- Peppercorns (about 5-10)
- Mustard seeds (about 1 teaspoon)
- Dill (preferably dried sprigs)
- Cucumbers (enough to fill the jar, preferably smaller and crunchier)

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the cucumbers well under a stream of cold water. It is important to choose fresh, small-sized cucumbers, as they become crunchier after preservation. If you have time, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to rehydrate them.

2. Preparing the jar: Ensure that the 800 ml jar is clean. You can sterilize it by boiling it in water for 10 minutes or by placing it in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. This step is essential to prevent bacterial growth.

3. Assembling the ingredients in the jar: Place in the jar, in order, a bay leaf, a few peeled and halved garlic cloves, onion and carrot slices. Add the peppercorns and mustard seeds, then fill the jar with cucumbers, leaving a space of 1-2 cm at the top.

4. Preparing the brine: In a pot, mix the vinegar, sugar, and salt with 250 ml of water. Place the mixture over medium heat and let it boil until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This brine will give the cucumbers a tangy and aromatic taste.

5. Filling the jar with brine: When the brine has boiled, carefully pour it over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely covered. Leave a small air gap at the top to allow for expansion.

6. Closing the jar: Seal the jar tightly, ensuring it is airtight. This step will help preserve the flavors and prevent contamination.

7. Sterilization: Place the jar in a large pot of water (ensure the water covers the jar) and bring to a boil. Sterilize for 30-40 minutes, calculating the time from when the water starts to boil. This process will ensure long-term preservation.

8. Cooling and storing: After sterilization, carefully remove the jar from the water and let it cool completely on a clean towel. Once cooled, store it in a dark, cool place, ideal for food preservation.

Useful tips:

- If you want your cucumbers to have a spicier flavor, you can add a sliced chili pepper to the jar.
- Experiment with different spices: add a few slices of ginger for an exotic taste or some fresh dill leaves for an intense aroma.
- Pickled cucumbers are wonderful alongside meat dishes, sandwiches, or as a side to various meals.

Nutritional benefits:

Cucumbers are low in calories (about 16 calories per 100g) and full of water, making them ideal for hydration. Their rich content of vitamins and minerals (vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium) contributes to heart and skin health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How long can pickled cucumbers be stored?
- If stored correctly, pickled cucumbers can last up to a year. Make sure the jar is airtight and kept in a cool place.

2. What can I do if I don't have wine vinegar?
- You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but the taste will be slightly different. Each type of vinegar brings its own flavor note.

3. Is sterilization necessary?
- Yes, sterilization is essential to prevent contamination and ensure proper preservation.

Delicious combinations:

Pickled cucumbers pair perfectly with a cheese platter, a fresh salad, or as a side for grilled meat dishes. Also, a glass of fresh lemonade or a summer cocktail will pair wonderfully with these tangy cucumbers.

In conclusion, preparing pickled cucumbers is a pleasant and satisfying activity that will fill your pantry with summer aromas. Whether you serve them at a festive meal or simply as a healthy snack, these delicacies are guaranteed to be a hit. So, embrace the tradition of preservation and enjoy the fresh taste of cucumbers in every season!