Red Cinnamon Cucumber Pickle
A unique and flavorful pickle combining the fiery spice of red cinnamon candies with crisp cucumbers, infused with vibrant red or green coloring. This eye-catching condiment is perfect for those who enjoy sweet, spicy, and aromatic flavors, adding a bold twist to any meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 8 or 9 large cucumbers ⓘ
- 2 c. lime ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. alum ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 10 c. sugar ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 bottle red or green food coloring ⓘ
- 12 or 14 oz. red hot cinnamon candies
- 4 cinnamon sticks ⓘ
- 2 pt. oysters ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 c. finely chopped green onion tops ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 3 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain liquor from oysters and reserve.
- Pick over oysters for any bits of shell and grit.
- Melt butter in a heavy 3 to 4-quart saucepan.
- Add chopped green onion tops and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add flour, stirring constantly until blended.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring over low heat until mixture comes to a boil.
- Stir in salt and cayenne pepper.
- Add oysters and reserved liquor and simmer over low heat until oysters just begin to curl at the edges, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Ladle hot stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the stew, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice, which can brighten the overall taste. If oysters are unavailable, you can substitute with shrimp or scallops for a different seafood twist. Make sure to carefully rinse the oysters to remove any grit or shell fragments before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot oyster stew in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers on the side. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside a salad, such as West Indies Salad, for a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the oysters from becoming tough. You can add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Cinnamon Cucumber Pickle contains roughly 3663 calories, with 75g protein, 408g carbohydrates, and 222g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (293% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (279% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 467mg per serving (20% 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 canned oysters instead of fresh ones?
Yes, canned oysters can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to drain them well and add them towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking, which can lead to a tough texture. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, as canned oysters may have added salt.
What can I add to make the stew spicier?
If you prefer a spicier stew, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the cayenne pepper. This will elevate the heat level without overpowering the dish's natural flavors.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Just ensure that the flavors complement the oysters and that you adjust the seasoning to maintain balance in the dish.
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).