A Jad – Cucumber Pickle, often known simply as cucumber pickle, is a traditional recipe that involves pickling cucumbers in a brine solution along with various spices. The history of pickling as a preservation method dates back centuries when people discovered that preserving food in brine or vinegar helped extend its shelf life.
Recipe: Jad – Cucumber Pickle
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh cucumbers, preferably small to medium-sized
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers and slicing them into your preferred pickle shape – slices, spears, or whole.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
- In sterilized glass jars, layer the cucumber slices along with the smashed garlic, mustard seeds, dill seeds, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
- Carefully pour the cooled brine over the cucumber mixture in the jars, ensuring that the cucumbers are fully submerged. Leave about half an inch of space at the top of the jar.
- Seal the jars tightly with their lids and gently shake them to distribute the spices and brine.
- Place the jars in a cool, dark place to pickle. Allow the cucumbers to pickle for at least 48 hours before tasting.
- The longer you let the cucumbers pickle, the more flavorful they will become. Taste occasionally and refrigerate the jars once the desired level of flavor is achieved.
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Pickling Time: At least 48 hours (can be extended for a more intense flavor)
Enjoy your homemade Jad – Cucumber Pickles as a tangy and crunchy addition to sandwiches, salads, and more. Remember, pickles tend to get better with time, so allowing them to sit in the brine for a while will enhance their flavor.
Certainly, here’s the nutrition information and some health-related aspects of Jad – Cucumber Pickle:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a typical serving):
- Calories: Varies based on serving size
- Total Fat: Varies based on ingredients and portion
- Sodium: Varies based on ingredients and portion
- Total Carbohydrates: Varies based on ingredients and portion
- Dietary Fiber: Varies based on ingredients and portion
- Sugars: Varies based on ingredients and portion
- Protein: Varies based on ingredients and portion
Health Information:
- Low in Calories: Cucumber pickles are generally low in calories, making them a suitable addition to meals for those watching their calorie intake.
- Hydration: Cucumbers have a high water content, contributing to hydration and aiding in maintaining fluid balance in the body.
- Low in Fat: Cucumber pickles are naturally low in fat, which can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their fat intake.
- Fiber: While the pickling process may reduce the fiber content to some extent, cucumbers are naturally a source of dietary fiber which can support digestive health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Cucumbers contain vitamins such as vitamin K and vitamin C, as well as minerals like potassium, which are essential for overall health.
- Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Digestive Aid: The fiber and water content in cucumbers can contribute to healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Low in Sugar: Cucumber pickles generally have a low sugar content, which can be beneficial for those aiming to reduce sugar intake.
It’s important to note that the specific nutritional content of homemade pickles can vary based on factors such as the type of cucumbers used, the ingredients in the brine, and the portion size. If you’re looking for precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator based on the exact recipe and ingredients you use.
