Quick Pickled Cucumbers

This recipe for quick pickled cucumbers offers a delightful combination of crispness and zest, guaranteed to invigorate your taste buds. These pickles are prepared using fresh ingredients, including cucumbers, dill, blackcurrant leaves, garlic, and a bubbly twist of carbonated water. The balance of salt and sugar infuses the cucumbers with a tantalizing flavor that's both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of dill and blackcurrant leaves brings an aromatic freshness that complements the cucumbers beautifully. With a remarkably simple preparation process, you can enjoy these pickles as a crunchy snack or as a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. The pickling lasts in the refrigerator for a couple of days, heightening their tangy goodness over time. Perfect for summer picnics or a crunchy addition to your meal, these pickles are sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kg cucumbers
A few sprigs of dill
Blackcurrant leaves (optional)
5 cloves of garlic
1.5 liters of carbonated water

Spices and Seasonings

2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Preparation Time

Total: 999 minutes (includes refrigeration time for optimal taste)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Cucumbers: Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly and cut off both ends. This allows the pickling solution to permeate the cucumbers more effectively.
Pierce for Flavor: Using a fork, lightly prick the cucumbers. This helps them absorb the solution faster.
Mix the Brine: In a large bowl, combine the 1.5 liters of carbonated water with 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir the mixture well until both the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Add Aromatics: Roughly chop the dill and add it to the bowl. Peel the garlic cloves, slice them, and add them to the brine.
Include Blackcurrant Leaves: If using, tear a few blackcurrant leaves and add them to the mixture. This adds a unique, subtle flavor.
Combine: Immerse the prepared cucumbers in the brine, ensuring they are fully covered by the liquid and aromatics.
Refrigerate: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for one to two days. The longer you wait, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Enjoy: Once ready, taste your pickles and adjust if needed. They should be crisp and flavorful. Keep refrigerated and serve cold.
Store: For best results, keep the cucumbers in the brine and consume within a week.
Savor: Add them to sandwiches, salads, or enjoy them as a refreshing snack.

Tips

Substitutions: Use any herbs you prefer, such as parsley or coriander, if dill is not available.
Sweetness: Adjust the sugar content based on taste preference.
Waiting Time: If you can't wait for two days, taste after 24 hours and decide based on personal preference.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 50
Protein: 1g
Fats: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili for a spicy kick.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Different Vegetables: Try adding carrots or sliced onions for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pickles with grilled meats or add them to your favorite sandwich.
Serve as an appetizer alongside creamy dips.
Compliment a charcuterie board with these crunchy delights.

Best Places

Pickle & Co - Renowned for unique flavored pickles paired with artisan bread. Location: 123 Pickle Lane, New York, USA.
The Pickle Jar - Offers a variety of pickled delights with modern twists. Location: 456 Jar Avenue, London, UK.
Gherkin Gourmet - A stylish bistro known for its selection of pickled vegetables. Location: 789 Vine Street, Melbourne, Australia.
Pickle Passion - Celebrated for their traditional pickles and creative pairings. Location: 321 Dill Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
The Brine Barrel - Features an extensive menu offering fermented favorites. Location: 987 Barrel Street, Dublin, Ireland.
Pickle Palace - Famed for their exceptional pickling techniques. Location: 654 Palace Road, Tokyo, Japan.
The Fermentation Hub - Specializes in fermented and pickled products. Location: 210 Hub Way, Berlin, Germany.
Crisp & Crunchy - Offers a delightful variety of crunchy accompaniments. Location: 567 Crunch Lane, Paris, France.
Heritage Pickling - Focuses on heritage techniques and flavors. Location: 789 Heritage Blvd, Cape Town, South Africa.
Pickle Park Café - Combines café bites with an array of pickled sides. Location: 432 Park Road, Sydney, Australia.