Hot Pickle Mix
A vibrant, tangy pickled vegetable mix combining cucumbers, peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and onions, perfect for snacking or garnishing, with bold flavors and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 qt pickling cucumbers, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium sweet green peppers, seeded and cut into strips ⓘ
- 2 medium sweet red peppers, seeded and cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 3 cups cauliflowerets
- 1 cup peeled pickling onions
- 1 1/2 qt long red, green, or yellow peppers ⓘ
- 3 or 4 fresh jalapeno peppers or dried red pepper pods ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups canning salt ⓘ
- 4 quarts water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 10 cups vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare cucumbers, sweet green and red peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and onions by washing and cutting into appropriate sizes.
- Dissolve 1 1/2 cups canning salt in 4 quarts of water, then pour over the vegetables and let stand for 1 hour.
- Using rubber gloves, remove seeds from hot peppers and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces.
- Combine remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove garlic from the hot mixture.
- Drain the vegetables thoroughly.
- Pack the vegetables and peppers (not including jalapenos) into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Add a piece of jalapeno or red pepper pod to each jar.
- Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables and peppers, maintaining the headspace.
- Seal the jars with caps and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder version, consider using fewer jalapenos or replacing them with banana peppers. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, increase the sugar slightly. Remember to wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation. Using fresh, crisp vegetables will enhance the texture and flavor of your pickles. This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with different vegetables like zucchini or green beans.
Serving Suggestions
These hot pickles make an excellent addition to a charcuterie board or as a zesty side with sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Spicy Kielbasa, adding a flavorful crunch. You can also chop them up to enhance salads or use them as a topping for burgers. For a unique twist, try adding them to a Potato And Dumpling Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Once the pickles are processed and sealed, store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year. After opening, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for several months. Make sure to use a clean utensil when removing pickles to prevent contamination. To enjoy, simply serve them chilled straight from the jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Pickle Mix contains roughly 1087 calories, with 18g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2169mg per serving (94% 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
Can I use other vegetables in this pickle mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or even radishes. Just ensure they are pickling-friendly and cut them to a similar size for even pickling. Experimenting can lead to delightful new flavors in your hot pickle mix.
How long do these pickles last once opened?
Once opened, your hot pickles should be refrigerated and can last for several months. Always ensure to use a clean fork or utensil when taking pickles from the jar to avoid contamination. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to discard them.
Can I adjust the spice level of the pickles?
Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level! To make them milder, reduce the number of jalapenos or use milder varieties like banana peppers. Conversely, if you want more heat, try adding extra jalapenos or even crushed red pepper flakes to the pickling liquid for a spicier kick.
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).