Shlomo’s Kosher Sour Pickles/Tomatoes Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 336 hours
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 336 hours 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the nostalgia of New York City with these mouth-watering Kosher Sour Pickles/Tomatoes, reminiscent of the bustling markets of “The Bronx.” Crafted with care and tradition, these pickles/tomatoes are a true culinary delight, offering a burst of tangy flavors that will transport you to the streets of yesteryear.
Ingredients:
- 13-20 Kirby cucumbers
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup coarse salt
- 3 cups vinegar
- 6-8 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp alum
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Trim 1/16 inch off the blossom end of the cucumbers, discarding any bruised or damaged ones.
-
Brining:
- In a 3 1/2 quart glass jar, stand the Kirby cucumbers upright.
- Optionally add a piece of rye bread to the jar.
-
Spice Mixture:
- Mix kosher salt, coarse salt, vinegar, garlic cloves, and alum in a large bowl with some water.
- Pour the spice mixture into the jar, topping off with water.
-
Weighting and Sealing:
- Place a small item on top of the cucumbers to keep them submerged in the brine.
- Seal the jar and turn it upside down to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
-
Fermentation:
- Open the jar and cover the top with plastic wrap, securing it with a rubber band.
- Use a kitchen knife to puncture holes in the plastic wrap for gas release.
- Allow the cucumbers to ferment for 2-3 weeks in a cool location, removing any scum and topping off with salted water as needed.
-
Storage:
- After fermentation, refrigerate the pickles.
-
Optional Half Sour Pickles:
- For a milder flavor, ferment for 1 week before refrigerating.
-
Sour Tomatoes Variation:
- Substitute Kirby cucumbers with 10-12 green tomatoes.
- Adjust salt to taste as tomatoes require more.
-
Tomato Preparation:
- Remove tomato stems and optionally cut away the brown area, allowing brine penetration.
- Halve the tomatoes if desired.
-
Fermentation and Storage:
- Follow the same fermentation and refrigeration process as with the pickles.
Notes:
- These pickles are brined without vinegar, enhancing their authentic flavor.
- Avoid using mixed pickling spices or iodized salt, as they may alter the taste.
- For sour tomatoes, consider using green plum tomatoes and feel free to include vinegar if desired.
Indulge in the rich heritage and flavors of Shlomo’s Kosher Sour Pickles/Tomatoes, a culinary journey through time and tradition. Enjoy the crisp tanginess with every bite, and savor the memories of old-fashioned goodness!
