Easy Dill Pickles
- 1 pound pickling, or Kirby, cucumbers (about 4), unpeeled
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds
- 1 tablespoon whole pickling spices
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 4 or 5 sprigs of fresh dillweed (optional)
- With a knife or crinkle cutter, cut the cucumbers crosswise into 1/4-inch slices.
- You should have about 4 cups.
- Line a colander with two or three paper towels.
- Put the cucumbers in the colander, cover with additional paper towels, and set a plate on top to slightly weigh the cucumbers down (this will help remove any excess moisture).
- Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, bring the remaining ingredients to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cucumbers.
- Cook for 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to an airtight container large enough to hold the cucumbers and liquid (a clean large pickle jar works well) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- As its name tells you, this small cucumber variety is primarily used for pickles.
- Its also used as a garnish in many Asian dishes and can be substituted for the more common cucumber.
- Pickling cucumbers have thin skin, are crisp, and have very small seeds.
- Many groceries carry them regularly, or you can look for them at a local farmers market or Asian grocery store.
- A great alternative is the English, or hothouse, cucumber (see Cooks Tip on English Cucumbers, page 76).
- You can also pickle the common cucumber.
- Youll find pickling spices in the spice section of the grocery.
- Commercial brands of this aromatic mix of spices vary but can include allspice, cinnamon, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, ginger, bay leaves, chiles, pepper, cloves, cardamom, and mace.
- Use 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of the mixture in marinades, water for cooking shrimp, or soups and stews.
- Use kitchen twine to tie the spices in a small piece of cheesecloth so you can remove them easily.
- (Per serving)
- Calories: 11
- Total fat: 0.0g
- Saturated: 0.0g
- Trans: 0.0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0.0g
- Monounsaturated: 0.0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Calcium: 17mg
- Potassium: 57mg
- Free
pickling, water, cider vinegar, dill seeds, pickling spices, sugar, garlic, fresh dillweed
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/easy-dill-pickles-391927 (may not work)