Easy Quick Pickles

Welcome back to another recipe that was inspired by a recent CSA box: Easy Quick Pickles!

When my husband and I started getting CSA boxes last year, we quickly realized that we were going to need to find a use for all of the fresh cucumbers we were getting. Many of those cucumbers were pickling cucumbers, so the answer seemed pretty obvious! We did some research on pickling, tested out different vinegars and seasonings, and this recipe was born.

You may be wondering why these are called "quick" pickles. This is because there are two different processes to create pickles, and this one is the faster option. The two different processes are pickling (this recipe), and fermenting. I am not an expert on fermentation at this point, so I won't go too far into how it works. However, I have learned that fermenting is a longer process, is typically considered a little more complicated, and is technically the more traditional way to create pickles. The fermenting process also creates probiotics, which are good for gut health - so some people prefer fermented pickles for the extra gut boost. However, if you just want a quick and easy way to make some pickles to throw on your sandwich or burger, I personally think that these easy quick pickles are a great way to accomplish that!

Ingredients

• Pickling cucumbers - These are a specific type of cucumber and are best for pickling, but any cucumber can technically be used here. Pickling cucumbers are relatively small and they have a thinner skin than most other cucumbers, making it easier for them to soak up brine in the pickling process. But feel free to try other cucumbers if you can't find these! Just know that the results may vary a bit.
• Water, vinegar, and salt - These are going to create our brine. The brine turns the cucumbers into pickles by giving them that unique pickle texture and flavor. The vinegars officially used in this recipe are apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar, but theoretically any vinegar should do.
• Pickling spice - You can usually find this near the other seasonings and spices in grocery stores. It typically consists of things such as black peppercorns, mustard seed, dill seed, and more - all ingredients that make delicious pickles. If you want to get these individual components and make your own mix you can, but I find that it's easiest just to buy the pre-made pickling spice. Since we are going for ease here, that's what the recipe calls for! The pickling spice I use is the Morton and Bassett brand.
• Garlic - I love using the pickling spice for the majority of the seasonings since it's literally made for pickling and has great flavors! But this extra kick of garlic on top of that really brings it up a notch! 

How to Make Easy Quick Pickles

1. Bring your brine to a boil.
2. Pour your brine over your sliced cucumbers and seasonings.
3. Let cool and place in the fridge.
4. Let sit for a day or two and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• It may be tempting to crack open the jar quickly, but the flavor will get better the longer they sit! I recommend waiting at least a day before eating, or even two days if you are able.
• This recipe pretty much fits perfectly in a 32 oz mason jar, so I recommend using that if you have one!
• I wrote out this recipe for pickle slices, but I have also made a version of this with pickle spears! For this version I like to take about 3 pickling cucumbers and cut them lengthwise into 4 spears, then place them in a 16 oz mason jar (this is the perfect height for the spears). From here I halve the measurements for the brine and seasonings and pretty much follow the recipe!
• Like I mentioned before, the pickling spice is the easiest way to get the bulk of our seasonings. However, feel free to play with the seasonings! You can add other seasonings or even use something else entirely if you want to make your own combinations. Think of this recipe as your general guide and pickle to your heart's content!

Easy Quick Pickles

Recipe by Delaney Marie

Servings

4

cups

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

These pickles are simple to throw together and are the perfect topping for any burger or sandwich! The longer you let them sit in the fridge after making them, the more pickle-y they will become! I recommend waiting a day or two after making them before digging in.

Ingredients

• 4 cups pickling cucumbers (about 4 cucumbers)

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar*

• ½ cup rice vinegar*

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pickling spice**

• 1.5 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

• Slice your pickling cucumbers into thin slices. Put them in a mason jar (or any airtight container you are going to store them in) and place them off to the side.
• Pour your water, vinegars, and salt into a small sauce pan on medium-high heat. This mixture will be your brine. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that the salt dissolves.
• While you are waiting for your brine to come to a boil, throw your pickling spice and garlic into the jar/container with your cucumber slices.
• Once your brine has come to a boil, carefully pour it into the jar/container with your cucumber slices and spices and then gently tap the jar against the counter a few time to remove any air bubbles. You want the brine to cover all of the cucumber slices. If it doesn't quite cover all of the slices, let it sit for a few minutes and then use a fork to carefully press the cucumbers further down into the brine. Depending on what container you are using it is possible that you may have a little extra brine leftover (it typically fits perfectly in a 32 oz mason jar).
• Seal the jars with their lids and let them cool to room temperature. Once they have reached room temperature, place in the refrigerator. The flavor will improve the longer you let them sit. You can dig in after a few hours if you want, but I recommend waiting a day or two if you are able!

Notes

• *Vinegars: I recommend apple cider vinegar and rice vinegar for this recipe, but any vinegar will do the trick if you have something else on hand! Note that a different type of vinegar could change the flavor of your pickles.
• **Pickling spice: I use the Morton and Bassett brand

Happy cooking, friends! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your pickling ways.

Stay well!