Sweet Garlic Pickles

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Sweet garlic pickles combine tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and aromatic spices, creating a flavorful condiment perfect for those who enjoy bold, sweet, and savory flavors in their dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 gal. sour pickles
  • 2 tsp. celery seed
  • 1 c. tarragon vinegar
  • 2 tsp. mustard seed
  • 3 whole bulbs garlic, peeled
  • 1 Tbsp. whole black peppercorns
  • 1 box or 1/2 c. pickling spices
  • 5 lb. sugar

Instructions

  1. Drain pickles and slice; put into a large glass container or crock.
  2. Add sugar, garlic, vinegar, and pepper; mix together.
  3. Fold the cheesecloth 3 or 4 times to make it dense enough to hold the pickling spices, celery seed, and mustard seed.
  4. Fold up the spices in the cheesecloth to make a small bundle; tie ends with cord.
  5. Bury the bundle of spices in the middle of the pickles.
  6. Sprinkle turmeric over the top.
  7. Loosely cover the container with plastic wrap.
  8. Daily for the next 5 days, remove the bundle, stir, replace the bundle, and cover.
  9. Fill jars with tight lids.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a few slices of fresh ginger or a couple of dried chili peppers to the pickle mixture. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar to 3 or 4 pounds. Make sure to use a clean glass container to prevent spoilage and keep an eye on the pickles as they ferment, adjusting the sugar if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet garlic pickles make a fantastic condiment to accompany sandwiches or burgers, especially when paired with Floyd'S Golden Grill Barbecue Sauce. They also add a delightful crunch to a charcuterie board or can be served alongside Marinated Veg. Salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy them as a tangy snack on their own or chopped into salads.

Storage & Reheating

Store the sweet garlic pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Once opened, transfer to the refrigerator where they can last for several months. To enjoy them at their best, serve them chilled straight from the fridge, or let them come to room temperature for a more robust flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Garlic Pickles contains roughly 498 calories, with 11g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

498 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.1g 22% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 123.2g 45% DV
Fiber 23.7g 85% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 78.6mg 3% DV
Potassium 1336.5mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 182.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 128mg 10% DV
Iron 5.4mg 30% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 do these pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?

The pickles need to sit for at least 5 days to develop their flavor fully. However, waiting a week or two will enhance their sweetness and garlic infusion even more. Taste them periodically to find your preferred balance of flavors.

Can I use different types of vinegar in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different vinegars such as apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile. Tarragon vinegar provides a unique herbal note that complements the pickles beautifully.

What should I do if my pickles are too sweet?

If you find your pickles are too sweet after fermenting, you can balance the sweetness by adding a little more vinegar or by mixing in some additional salt. This can help to cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.

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).

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