Pickled Cucumber Slices: A Tangy Delight for the Whole Family
In the delightful journey of culinary exploration that my two sons and I embark upon, one recipe has consistently captured our hearts—pickled cucumber slices. If it were solely up to my sons, I would need to prepare these vibrant and zesty treats in a washtub to satisfy their insatiable craving. Through experimentation, I discovered that adding bell pepper squares to the mix elevates the flavor, but now my sons have started to request additional ingredients like carrot slices and even tomatoes. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; you can pickle virtually any vegetable that tickles your fancy.
For those who may find cucumbers a bit troublesome on the digestive front, a simple technique can alleviate that issue: score the cucumbers lengthwise using the tines of a fork. Just press deep enough to leave a mark, as this will help release the layer of “heartburn” that sometimes lurks just below the skin. This handy tip was generously imparted to me by an elderly British friend of my father’s, a man whose culinary skills were nothing short of legendary.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Pickled Cucumber Slices |
| Category | Low Protein |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Description | A tangy, refreshing pickle that’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish. The recipe is easy to customize with your favorite veggies. |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 3 – 4 |
| Yellow Onion | 1 (sliced) |
| Bell Peppers | 2 (sliced) |
| White Vinegar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42.2 |
| Total Fat | 0.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 588.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 1.3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Brine: Begin by pouring the white vinegar and water into a large, non-metal bowl—glass or plastic works best to avoid any unwanted reactions. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the mixture, then stir well to combine all the spices evenly.
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Add the Vegetables: Carefully add the sliced cucumbers, yellow onion, and bell peppers into the bowl with the brine. Ensure that the vegetables are submerged as much as possible in the liquid to absorb those tangy flavors.
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Adjust the Ratio: If you prefer a more substantial pickling brine, feel free to add more water and vinegar while maintaining a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to water. The ratio can be adjusted to your personal preference for tartness. We enjoy ours on the tarter side, which brings out the vibrant flavors of the vegetables beautifully.
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Chill: Once the vegetables are well-coated with the brine, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a satisfying crunch when you take your first bite.
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Serve: After chilling, these pickled cucumber slices can be served as a delicious and refreshing side dish, or simply enjoyed as a snack. They pair wonderfully with sandwiches, grilled meats, or as part of a picnic spread.
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Storage: For optimal freshness, these pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, they’re likely to be devoured long before then!
As you venture into the realm of pickling, let your creativity shine—feel free to experiment with different vegetables and flavors. Each batch can become a new family favorite, just as this recipe has become a cherished tradition in our household. Enjoy the delightful crunch and tangy burst of flavor that these pickled cucumber slices bring to your table, and who knows? Perhaps you’ll be inspired to create your own variations that your family will love just as much!
