Sweet and Sour Pickled Cucumbers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion

Special equipment needed:
- Glass jar with lid

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
3. In a glass jar, layer sliced cucumbers, chopped dill, and chopped red onion.
4. Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the cucumbers, 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
Temperature:
Room temperature for the vinegar mixture, refrigerated for the pickled cucumbers.
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 45
Total fat: 0g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 590mg
Total carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 8g
Protein: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar.
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro can be used instead of dill.
- Shallots or green onions can be used instead of red onion.

Variations:
- Add sliced garlic or ginger for extra flavor.
- Use different types of vinegar for different flavor profiles.
- Add sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly.
- Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged in the vinegar mixture to ensure even pickling.
- The longer the cucumbers sit in the pickling liquid, the more flavorful they will become.

Storage instructions:
Store the pickled cucumbers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
Not applicable.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the pickled cucumbers in a small bowl or on a platter as a side dish or appetizer.

Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped dill or red onion.

Pairings:
Serve with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the pickling liquid is too sour, add a little more sugar to balance the flavors.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to use a clean and sterilized glass jar to prevent contamination.

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

Flavor profiles:
Sweet and sour with a hint of spice and herbaceous notes from the dill and red onion.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a side dish or appetizer with your favorite main course.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Tangy, Sour, Sweet, Vinegary