Sweet Dilled Pickled Okra
Sweet dilled pickled okra offers a crunchy, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness and dill, perfect for snacking or adding a zestful touch to meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pack washed okra in 6 pint jars; divide garlic, celery seed, hot pepper, and dill seed between the jars.
- Combine salt, sugar, water, and vinegar in a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour the hot brine into the jars, leaving within 1/2-inch of the top.
- Seal the jars and place them in a water bath for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of mustard seeds or a few black peppercorns to the jars. If you prefer a milder pickle, reduce the number of hot peppers or omit them entirely. Make sure to use fresh, young okra for the best texture. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also explore variations by incorporating spices from American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet Dilled Pickled Okra makes a delightful snack on its own or as part of a charcuterie board alongside cheeses and meats. They also complement dishes like sandwiches or salads. Serve them with a side of Harvard Carrots for a well-rounded meal. These pickles can be a unique addition to a picnic spread or barbecue menu, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least a week before opening to allow the flavors to meld. Once opened, keep the pickled okra in the refrigerator, ensuring the brine covers the okra completely. They should stay fresh for up to a month. For best results, consume them chilled, as they maintain their crunch and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Dilled Pickled Okra contains roughly 786 calories, with 19g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% 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 frozen okra for this recipe?
It's best to use fresh okra for pickling, as frozen okra may become mushy and lose its crunch during the process. If fresh okra is unavailable, look for okra that is very recently frozen and thaw it before use, but keep in mind the texture may not be as desirable.
How long will the pickled okra last?
When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, pickled okra can last up to a year. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a month for the best flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar to your taste. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
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).