Slippery Elms
Slippery Elms are tangy, sweet pickles with a spicy mustard flavor, perfect for adding zest to sandwiches or serving alongside hearty meals. Ideal for pickle lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and quarter ripe cucumbers.
- Remove seeds and put in a large pan with 1/2 cup salt.
- Let set overnight.
- Drain and pour hot water over them, then drain again.
- Cook until tender in a mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, vinegar, hot water, mustard seed, and turmeric.
- Put the hot mixture into jars.
- Turn over to seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a slightly sweeter note. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. Ensure the cucumbers are fully peeled to avoid bitterness. If you're short on time, you can skip the overnight salting process, but the flavors will be less developed. This recipe can be adapted for other vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slippery Elms as a tangy side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. They pair beautifully with American recipes like Sandy'S Homemade Bread or Crunchy Minglers Snack Mix. For a unique twist, serve them as a topping on sandwiches or burgers for added flavor and crunch. They also make an excellent addition to a charcuterie board.
Storage & Reheating
Store the finished Slippery Elms in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months unopened. Once opened, keep the jars refrigerated and consume within a month for the best taste. Reheat the mixture gently on the stove if you prefer to serve it warm, but it can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slippery Elms contains roughly 662 calories, with 3g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1812mg per serving (79% 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 different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of cucumbers, but pickling cucumbers are ideal due to their firmer texture. If using larger cucumbers, be sure to remove excess seeds to maintain the crispness of the final dish.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the recipe?
To adjust the sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of brown or white sugar based on your taste preference. You can also substitute part of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, but remember that this may alter the final flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, Slippery Elms can be canned for long-term storage. Ensure that you follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing the jars and sealing them adequately to prevent spoilage. This method will allow you to enjoy the dish throughout the year.
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).