Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound small pickling cucumbers
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Special Equipment Needed:
- Glass jar with lid
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. Place them in a glass jar.
2. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers in the jar, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Close the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Once cooled, refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Temperature:
Room temperature for cooling, refrigerate for storage.
Serving size:
Makes 1 jar of pickled cucumbers.
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 ounce (28g)
Calories: 5
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar.
- Honey can be used instead of sugar.
- Dill or other herbs can be added for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or red peppers for a different flavor.
- Use larger cucumbers and cut them into spears instead of rounds.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best results.
- Make sure the cucumbers are completely covered with the vinegar mixture to prevent spoilage.
- The longer the cucumbers sit in the vinegar mixture, the more flavorful they will become.
Storage Instructions:
Store the jar of pickled cucumbers in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
Not applicable.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pickled cucumbers as a side dish or appetizer.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cucumbers become mushy or slimy, discard them and start over with fresh cucumbers.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to use a clean, sterilized jar for pickling. Keep the jar refrigerated at all times.
Food History:
Pickling has been used as a method of preserving food for centuries. The process of pickling cucumbers in vinegar originated in Europe and was brought to the Americas by European settlers.
Flavor Profiles:
The pickling process gives the cucumbers a tangy, sour flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the pickled cucumbers as a snack or appetizer, or as a side dish with a meal.
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Region: Spanish