Eleanor Bain - Pickles
Crisp, tangy pickles with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, ideal for snacking or adding zest to sandwiches. Suits those who love homemade preserves and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- After cucumbers are soaked, wash and then soak in ice water for 3 hours.
- Drain cucumbers.
- Pour vinegar and sugar over cucumbers and boil for 30 minutes.
- Seal in sterilized jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For crispier pickles, ensure the cucumbers are fresh and firm. Using slaked lime helps keep them crunchy during the pickling process. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the sugar slightly, or substitute some of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper taste. Additionally, you can experiment with different pickling spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles are perfect as a tangy snack on their own or as a side dish with sandwiches and burgers. They pair beautifully with Salami Loaf, adding a zesty contrast to rich meats. Consider serving them alongside cheese platters or as a topping for salads, like a Marinated Green Bean Salad, to enhance the dish's flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jars refrigerated and consume within 2-3 months for the best flavor and texture. To reheat, simply warm the pickles gently in a saucepan, avoiding boiling to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eleanor Bain - Pickles contains roughly 997 calories, with 14g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (231% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and potassium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1973mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I soak the cucumbers in ice water?
Soaking the cucumbers in ice water for about 3 hours after washing helps maintain their crispness and removes excess salt from the slaked lime process. This step is crucial for achieving the best texture in your pickles.
Can I use less sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to taste. Reducing the sugar will result in less sweet pickles, but be cautious as it may also affect the preservation process. You could also explore using alternative sweeteners if you prefer a lower-calorie option.
What types of vinegar work best for pickling?
While the recipe calls for vinegar, you can experiment with different types such as apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor or white vinegar for a sharper taste. Just ensure the vinegar is at least 5% acidity to ensure safe pickling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).