Tiny Whole Mustard Pickles Recipe
This delightful recipe for Tiny Whole Mustard Pickles is a treasured gem from my grandmother’s recipe collection, lovingly described as “Tried and Good.” The pickles are perfect for accompanying fried seafood dishes, adding a tangy and zesty crunch that complements the richness of the seafood. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 120 hours and 30 minutes, including fermentation, this recipe offers an easy and rewarding experience for home cooks.
Ingredients
The following table outlines the ingredients you will need to prepare this recipe. Each ingredient is measured precisely to ensure the best results:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers | 12 whole |
| Salt | ½ cup |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Ground Mustard | ¼ cup |
| Vinegar | 1½ cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information
For those who are health-conscious or curious about the nutritional profile of this dish, here’s the breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 349 |
| Total Fat | 4.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 14,174.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 61.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g |
| Sugars | 41 g |
| Protein | 8.7 g |
Preparation Instructions
Creating these Tiny Whole Mustard Pickles is an easy yet rewarding process. Follow the steps below to ensure your pickles turn out perfectly:
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Prepare the Jars: Begin by sterilizing four quart jars. To do this, wash the jars in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then immerse them in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that your pickles remain safe to eat.
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Pack the Cucumbers: Take the 12 well-scrubbed and dried cucumbers and pack them tightly into the sterilized jars. Arrange them upright to maximize space and ensure even pickling.
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Make the Pickling Solution: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, sugar, ground mustard, vinegar, and water. Stir the mixture well until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved, creating a flavorful brine that will infuse the cucumbers.
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Cover the Cucumbers: Pour the prepared pickling solution over the packed cucumbers in each jar, making sure the cucumbers are completely submerged. This is essential for the pickling process to be effective.
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Seal the Jars: Securely seal each jar with its lid and then turn them upside down. This will help to evenly distribute the pickling solution around the cucumbers.
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Turn Jars Upright: The following day, carefully turn each jar back upright. This step allows for continued mixing of the brine with the cucumbers and promotes even flavor distribution.
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Repeat the Process: For a total of four days, continue to turn the jars upright and upside down each day. This process aids in the fermentation and ensures the cucumbers absorb all the wonderful flavors of the brine.
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Storage: After the four-day process, store the pickles in a cool, dark place. These pickles will develop even more flavor over time and can be enjoyed for several months.
Serving Suggestions
Tiny Whole Mustard Pickles are an excellent addition to any meal, especially fried seafood dishes. Their tangy crunch provides a delightful contrast to the richness of fried foods. Consider serving them alongside fish and chips, fried shrimp, or as part of a seafood platter. You can also enjoy these pickles as a snack on their own or as a tangy topping for sandwiches and burgers.
Conclusion
This recipe for Tiny Whole Mustard Pickles encapsulates the essence of comfort food, bringing a sense of nostalgia and home-cooked goodness to your table. Not only are these pickles easy to make, but they also offer a delightful way to preserve summer’s bounty for enjoyment throughout the year. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to relish the flavors of this time-honored recipe!
