Description
These Sweet Heat Pickles offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Crisp pickling cucumbers are marinated in a tangy mixture of white vinegar, sugar, spices, and red pepper flakes, creating a flavorful snack or condiment ready in just 24 hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickling Cucumbers
- 1 pound pickling cucumbers, sliced
Pickling Liquid
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Spices
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickles: In a large bowl, combine the sliced pickling cucumbers with white vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Stir thoroughly until both the sugar and salt are fully dissolved to create a balanced pickling brine.
- Add Spices: Add the whole black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and celery seeds to the cucumber mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the brine.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 24 hours so the cucumbers can absorb the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors effectively.
- Serve: After marinating, the sweet heat pickles are ready to eat. Serve cold as a refreshing side or condiment. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm pickling cucumbers for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes if you prefer milder or spicier pickles.
- For crunchier pickles, soak cucumbers in ice water before slicing.
- These pickles do not require cooking and are safe to consume after refrigeration.
- Store pickles in a sealed container or jar in the refrigerator for maximum shelf life.
