Pickled Cucumbers with Horseradish

This delectable recipe for pickled cucumbers with horseradish offers a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers infused with aromatic spices and herbs. The key to these delicious pickles lies in their unique combination of garlic, horseradish, and black currant and cherry leaves, creating a robust yet refreshing flavor. Perfect for snacking, adding to a sandwich, or as a flavorful accompaniment to a meal, these pickles are both versatile and easy to prepare. The addition of dill, black and allspice peppers further enhances the pickles' complexity, making them a standout dish. Whether you're a pickle enthusiast or trying your hand at pickling for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready in just 30 minutes, the recipe requires a night of soaking for best results, but the wait is well worth it. With a mix of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, these pickles promise to become a new favorite. Enjoy the homemade satisfaction of creating your own pickles and savor every crunchy bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 kg small cucumbers
2.5 liters water
1 - 2 heads of garlic
Black currant leaves
Cherry leaves
Dill

Spices

5 tbsp salt
5 tbsp sugar
2.5 tbsp horseradish
2.5 tbsp table vinegar
Few bay leaves
Black peppercorns
Allspice berries

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes preparation, overnight soaking

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Marinade: In a large pot, pour in the 2.5 liters of water. Add the salt, sugar, horseradish, and a portion of the peppercorns. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Prepare the Cucumbers: While waiting for the marinade to boil, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly. Trim the ends for improved absorption and visual consistency.
Start Layering: In a deep bowl or pot, begin layering with the black currant leaves, cherry leaves, a handful of freshly picked dill, some black peppercorns, and allspice. Add in the sliced or minced garlic and bay leaves.
Layer the Cucumbers: Place a layer of prepared cucumbers over the arranged leaves and spices.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of leaves and spices, followed by more cucumbers. Continue alternating until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of herbs and spices.
Complete the Marinade: Once the marinade has come to a vigorous boil, mix in the 2.5 tablespoons of table vinegar for an additional sharp flavor.
Pour the Marinade: Carefully pour the hot marinade over the prepared cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Cover and Weigh Down: Place a plate over the cucumbers to keep them submerged, and weigh the plate down with a heavy object.
Allow to Set: Leave the arrangement overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up the marinade thoroughly.
Enjoy Your Pickles: The next day, the cucumbers will have absorbed the flavors beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.

Tips

Substitutions: If you can't find specific leaves, grape or any non-toxic leaves are a good alternative.
Storage: These pickles can be stored in a sealed container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Nutritions

Approximate nutritional values per 100g:

Calories: 20 kcal
Proteins: 1g
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 5g

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Sweet & Tangy: Increase sugar for a sweeter profile while balancing with extra vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

As a side: Serve with roasted meats or sandwiches.
Garnishes: Add to deli trays for an extra zing.

Best Places

Picklers Delight - Famous for its house-made pickles. Location: 56 East Smith Street, Brooklyn, USA.
Cucumber Corner - Offers a wide variety of pickled vegetables. Location: 123 Green Road, Toronto, Canada.
Dill Haven - Known for its traditional pickling techniques. Location: 789 Leaf Lane, Berlin, Germany.
The Pickle Pot - A cozy spot for pickle fans. Location: 234 Vine Street, Melbourne, Australia.
Brine & Barrel - A unique place known for its artisanal pickling. Location: 432 Barrel Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
Gherkin Gold - Renowned for creative pickle recipes. Location: 101 Gherkin St, London, UK.
Briny Bliss - Famous for its sweet and spicy pickles. Location: 376 Spice Road, Mumbai, India.
Salt & Vinegar Sip - Offers an extensive menu of pickled treats. Location: 89 Vinegar Alley, Paris, France.
Crunchy Cucumbers - Known for its crunchy and fresh pickles. Location: 55 Crisp Avenue, Tokyo, Japan.
Herb & Pickle Haven - A haven for herb-infused pickles. Location: 244 Market Street, Amsterdam, Netherlands.