Recipe: Lime-Mint Freezer Pickles π₯π
Overview:
Enjoy the crispness of cucumbers with a zesty lime-mint twist in these delightful freezer pickles. Perfect for busy days or as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal, these pickles require minimal effort and yield maximum flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of pickles that will become a staple in your refrigerator and freezer.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pickling cucumbers
- 3 tablespoons pickling salt
- 1/2 onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gently wash cucumbers and thinly slice, discarding a slice from both ends of each cucumber. You should have about 8 cups of thinly sliced cucumbers. |
| 2 | In a large, nonreactive bowl, toss cucumber slices with pickling salt. Allow them to stand for two to three hours to draw out excess moisture. |
| 3 | Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic clove. |
| 4 | In another large nonreactive bowl, combine the chopped onion, red bell pepper, garlic, lime zest, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and distilled white vinegar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved. |
| 5 | After the cucumbers have stood for the required time, drain off the excess liquid and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess salt. |
| 6 | Add the drained cucumber slices to the bowl with the vinegar mixture. Stir until the cucumbers are evenly coated. |
| 7 | Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cucumber mixture for eight to 10 hours to allow the flavors to meld. |
| 8 | Once the pickles have marinated, pack the cucumber mixture and syrup into freezer bags or rigid containers. Make sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing. |
| 9 | Label the containers with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer. |
| 10 | When ready to serve, thaw the frozen pickles in the refrigerator for at least eight hours before enjoying. |
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Lime-Mint Freezer Pickles as a refreshing side dish alongside sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats. They also make a tasty addition to salads or as a crunchy topping for tacos and wraps. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Storage:
Store the frozen pickles in the freezer for up to six months for optimal flavor and texture. Once thawed, consume within a few days and do not refreeze.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 365.4
- Fat: 0.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5241.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 89.2g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugars: 81.3g
- Protein: 2.4g
Recipe Notes:
- Use pickling cucumbers for the best texture and flavor in your pickles.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your taste preferences.
- For a spicier kick, add a sliced jalapeΓ±o or red pepper flakes to the vinegar mixture.
- These pickles can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if you prefer not to freeze them.
With their tangy lime and refreshing mint flavors, these freezer pickles are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the convenience of having homemade pickles ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
