Spicy Pickled Cucumbers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium-sized cucumbers, sliced thinly
- 1 small red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced

Special Equipment Needed:
- 1 quart-sized mason jar with lid

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
3. In a quart-sized mason jar, layer the sliced cucumbers and red onions.
4. Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the cucumbers and onions, making sure they are fully submerged.
5. Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 70
Fat per serving: 0g
Carbohydrates per serving: 16g
Protein per serving: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- White vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
- Red onion can be substituted with white onion or shallots.
- Red pepper flakes can be substituted with cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Variations:
- Add sliced jalapeƱos or habaneros for an extra spicy kick.
- Use different types of vinegar for a unique flavor, such as balsamic vinegar or champagne vinegar.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for added flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the cucumbers and onions for even pickling.
- Let the pickled cucumbers sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- These pickled cucumbers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Storage Instructions:
Store the pickled cucumbers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating Instructions:
N/A

Presentation Ideas:
Serve the pickled cucumbers in a small bowl or on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or thyme.

Pairings:
These pickled cucumbers pair well with grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve these pickled cucumbers alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the pickling liquid is too salty or too sweet, adjust the recipe accordingly by adding more vinegar or sugar.

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure the cucumbers and onions are fully submerged in the pickling liquid to prevent spoilage.

Food History:
Pickling has been used as a method of preserving food for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations.

Flavor Profiles:
These pickled cucumbers have a tangy and spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve these pickled cucumbers as a snack or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

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