Description:
A delightful recipe passed down from a friend’s mother, these Sweet Refrigerator Pickles are a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoyed for their sweet and tangy flavor, they must be kept chilled in the refrigerator, making them an ideal snack or condiment.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Cucumbers, sliced |
| 1 | Onion, thinly sliced |
| 1 | Bell pepper, chopped |
| 1 | Mustard seeds (or celery seeds) |
| 1 | Celery seed |
| 2 | Cups vinegar |
| 1 | Cup sugar |
| 1 | Tablespoon canning salt |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 294.5 |
| Total Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1166.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 73.3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 69.5 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced onion, and chopped bell pepper. Sprinkle the canning salt over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
-
Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours. This step helps to draw out the moisture from the vegetables.
-
Drain and Set Aside: After chilling, drain the liquid from the cucumber mixture and set it aside.
-
Make Pickling Liquid: In a large pot, combine the sugar, vinegar, and mustard seeds (or celery seeds, depending on your preference). Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove it from the heat.
-
Combine Ingredients: Add the drained cucumber mixture to the pot with the pickling liquid, stirring gently to ensure the cucumbers and onions are well coated.
-
Jar the Pickles: Pour the mixture into clean pint-sized canning jars. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then seal them tightly.
-
Refrigerate: Store the jars in the refrigerator. These pickles are best enjoyed within two weeks.
Notes
- For optimal freshness, always keep these pickles in the refrigerator, as they are known as “refrigerator pickles.”
- While mustard seeds are recommended, feel free to substitute with celery seeds based on your taste preference.
- My father often uses these pickles as a zesty hot dog relish, adding an extra layer of flavor to your favorite grilled meats.
Enjoy your homemade Sweet Refrigerator Pickles, a perfect accompaniment for barbecues, picnics, or simply as a crunchy snack!