Vinegar And Cold Water Pickles
Crisp, tangy pickles with a balanced blend of vinegar, spices, and alum, perfect for adding a zesty touch to sandwiches, burgers, or as a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the small cucumbers thoroughly.
- Mix the vinegar, salt, mixed spices, and powdered alum in a bowl to create the pickling mixture.
- Pour the cold pickling mixture over the cucumbers in a large jar.
- Fill the jar with cold water, ensuring cucumbers are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks or more.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, choose fresh, firm small cucumbers. If you can't find canning salt, kosher salt can be used as a substitute, but avoid table salt due to its additives. Adjust the spice mix according to your taste; adding dill or garlic can enhance the flavor. Ensure your jar is sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
These vinegar and cold water pickles make a great accompaniment to sandwiches or burgers, adding a refreshing crunch. They pair wonderfully with dishes like Glazed Pork Loin With Garlic Potatoes. Serve them as part of a charcuterie board or alongside grilled meats for a flavorful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store your pickles in a cool, dark place for at least four weeks before enjoying. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The pickles can last for several months if properly sealed and stored. Always use a clean utensil when retrieving pickles to avoid contamination.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vinegar And Cold Water Pickles contains roughly 13 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1456mg per serving (63% 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
How long do these pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
It's best to let the pickles sit for at least four weeks to fully develop their flavor. If you can resist, waiting up to eight weeks will enhance the taste even more. The longer they sit, the better they become!
Can I use other vegetables for this pickling method?
Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically for cucumbers, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, radishes, or green beans. Just remember that different vegetables may require adjustments in the pickling time for optimal flavor.
What should I do if my pickles turn out too salty?
If the pickles are too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a few hours to help reduce the saltiness. Alternatively, you can balance the flavor by serving them alongside milder dishes or using them in salads where other ingredients can offset the salt.
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).