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The pickles Pickles are a classic in the world of pickled foods and can be made with a variety of vegetables, with cucumbers being the most traditional. They are perfect for adding a touch of flavor and freshness to any dish, from sandwiches and burgers to salads and meats. The pickle recipe is simple, practical and allows you to customize the flavor according to your personal preferences. Plus, pickles can last for weeks in the refrigerator, making them an excellent option to prepare and have on hand whenever you need an extra touch to your meals.

Learn a delicious and easy-to-make pickle recipe. Get ready to learn how to make this classic that will add a special flavor to your dishes!

Ingredients:

6 to 8 small or 4 large cucumbers (preferably pickling varieties, such as Japanese cucumber or country cucumber)
1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you prefer a milder flavor)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons of salt
2 tablespoons of sugar
2 cloves of garlic (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
1 teaspoon dill seeds or 1 sprig fresh dill (optional, but adds a traditional touch)
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 piece of fresh ginger (optional, but adds a special aromatic flavor)

Directions:

1. Preparing the Cucumbers:

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. If you are using large cucumbers, cut them into slices or strips (also known as cucumber sticks). If you are using small cucumbers, you can leave them whole or cut them in half lengthwise.
For whole cucumbers, make a few shallow cuts in the skin to allow the marinade to penetrate better.

2. Preparing the Vinegar Syrup:

In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
If you want an extra kick of flavor, add minced garlic, mustard seeds, black pepper, dill seeds, and bay leaves to the mix. If you want a more aromatic pickle, add thinly sliced fresh ginger.
Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes so that the flavors blend well.

3. Assembling the Preserving Jar:

While the vinegar syrup cools down a bit, prepare a very clean and sterilized jar. To sterilize the jar, simply boil it for 10 minutes or place it in the oven for 10 minutes at 180°C.
Place the cucumbers in the jar, pressing them down lightly to make sure they fit snugly. If you are using spices like dill or ginger, distribute them between the layers of cucumbers so that they are well incorporated into the flavors.
One tip is to sprinkle a sprig of fresh dill or mustard seeds on top of the cucumbers before adding the vinegar syrup. This will help give the pickles an even more intense flavor.

4. Adding the Vinegar Syrup:

Pour the still-warm vinegar syrup over the cucumbers in the jar. Make sure to completely cover the cucumbers with the liquid. If necessary, press down on the cucumbers to ensure they are submerged.
Close the jar tightly with a lid and let it cool to room temperature.

5. Storage and Curing Time:

Once the jar has cooled completely, place it in the refrigerator. The cucumber pickle will be ready to eat in a few minutes. 24 hours, but the longer it stays in the marinade, the more intense the flavors will be. The ideal is to wait 3 to 5 days before starting to consume, so that the cucumber absorbs the seasoning well.
You can keep the pickles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks if the jar is tightly sealed and the syrup completely covers the cucumbers.

Tips for a Perfect Pickle:

Type of Cucumber: Use fresh, firm cucumbers, preferably the variety recommended for pickling. They are crispier and hold up better to the marinade.
Seasonings to taste: If you like your pickles spicier, add crushed red peppers or sliced chili peppers to the syrup. If you prefer a more aromatic pickle, add herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Sterilized Glass: Make sure the jar and lid are well sterilized to avoid contamination and ensure greater durability for the preserve.
Pickle Varieties: In addition to cucumbers, you can try making pickles with carrots, onions, cauliflower or even bell peppers. The process is the same, just adjust the fermentation time according to the vegetable you choose.

Benefits of Pickles:

In addition to being delicious, pickles have some health benefits. Vinegar aids digestion, and pickled vegetables retain many of their vitamins and minerals. Pickles also have antioxidant properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels due to the vinegar, which has a stabilizing effect on glucose levels.

How to Use Your Pickles:

As a side dish: Pickles are a great accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, barbecues and even pizzas.
In Salads: They add a tangy, crunchy flavor to your salads, especially when paired with leafy greens and strong cheeses like feta or parmesan.
Snacks: Pickles are great as a snack or appetizer. Serve them with cheese, toast, or other snacks.