Refrigerator pickles are a delightful way to enjoy crunchy, tangy vegetables throughout the year. They can be prepared quickly and easily, making them a convenient snack or a zesty addition to various dishes. The beauty of making refrigerator pickles is that there’s no strict formula; you can customize them to your taste.
To begin, slice your chosen vegetables into smaller pieces. This allows the brine to thoroughly penetrate each piece, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Almost any vegetable can be transformed into a quick pickle! Consider using:
- Onions
- Carrots
- Bell peppers of any color
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Green beans
- Garlic
- Cabbage
- Beets
- Asparagus
Get creative and mix and match your favorites! 🌶🥒🧅🍅🥦
Crafting the Perfect Brine
Here’s what you’ll need for the brine:
- ◼ 1.5 cups of white vinegar
- ◼ 3/4 cup of sugar
- ◼ 1 teaspoon each of mustard seed, celery seed, and red pepper flakes
- ◼ 2 tablespoons of salt
To create the brine, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat the mixture just until it reaches a gentle boil, then allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, layer the bottom of a clean jar with the salt, mustard seed, celery seed, and red pepper flakes.
Next, pack the jar with your prepared vegetables, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Pour the cooled brine over the veggies, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
For the best results, let your refrigerator pickles sit for at least 5 days before indulging. These tangy delights can last several weeks when kept in constant refrigeration, offering you a refreshing and flavorful snack whenever you crave it!