Mondo's Fiery Delights: Hot & Spicy Pickles
Dive into the delightful world of Mondo's Fiery Delights: Hot & Spicy Pickles! Created by the master pickle-maker Armando (affectionately known as Mondo), these pickles are not just a tangy snack but a fiery explosion of flavor that enthusiasts can't get enough of. With the perfect balance of heat and crunch, each jar promises to bring an exciting kick to your meals and snacks. Anecdotes of friends claiming these pickles can banish colds only add to their legendary status! Perfect as an appetizer, sandwich topping, or a zesty addition to your charcuterie board, these pickles will be a show-stopper at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium pickling cucumbers
30-40 (cleaned)
vinegar
4 cups (none)
water
3 quarts (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh dill
to taste (sprigs)
alum
1/8 teaspoon (none)
whole garlic cloves
1 bulb (whole and some chopped)
kosher salt or sea salt
3/4 cup (none)
peppercorns
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
dried red hot chili peppers
to taste (whole)
pickling spices
1 tablespoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons (optional) (none)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly clean the medium pickling cucumbers in cold water and set them aside.
2
In a large pot, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and kosher/sea salt. Stir until well mixed.
3
Create a dill and spice infusion by placing sprigs of fresh dill and pickling spices in a piece of cheesecloth. Knot it securely and submerge it into the pot with the other ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure all ingredients dissolve, creating a flavorful brine.
5
While the brine is heating, prepare your canning jars. In each clean, empty jar, place several whole peppercorns, a few garlic cloves (either whole or chopped), 1/8 teaspoon of alum, and 1-2 dried whole chili peppers. For additional spice, include 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a heat boost.
6
Once the brine reaches a boil, pack the cucumbers upright into each prepared jar. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
7
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Securely place the lids on top and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
8
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 8 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
9
After processing, carefully remove the jars and place them on a cloth-covered counter to cool completely, undisturbed, for 24 hours.
10
Allow the pickles to marinate in their brine for at least 2 weeks before enjoying to develop their full flavor profile. Delve into these pickles as a crunchy treat or a spicy complement to your favorite meals!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mondo's Fiery Delights?
Mondo's Fiery Delights are hot and spicy pickles known for their perfect balance of heat and crunch, created by master pickle-maker Armando.
Who is the creator of this recipe?
This recipe was created by Armando, affectionately known as Mondo.
How many cucumbers do I need for this recipe?
You will need between 30 and 40 medium pickling cucumbers.
What type of salt should be used in the brine?
The recipe specifies using either 3/4 cup of kosher salt or sea salt.
What ingredients make these pickles spicy?
The heat comes from dried red hot chili peppers and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the secret to keeping these pickles crunchy?
The addition of 1/8 teaspoon of alum in each jar helps maintain the pickles' crunchy texture.
How much vinegar is required for the brine?
The brine requires 4 cups of vinegar.
How much water is used in the brine?
You will need 3 quarts of water for the brine mixture.
How is the dill and pickling spice infusion created?
Sprigs of fresh dill and pickling spices are placed in cheesecloth, knotted, and submerged into the brine pot.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
A full bulb of garlic is used, with some cloves kept whole and others chopped.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 8 minutes.
How long do the pickles need to marinate before eating?
They should marinate in their brine for at least 2 weeks to develop their full flavor profile.
Is there sugar in this pickle recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to the brine to balance the flavors.
What should be placed in the jars before adding the cucumbers?
Each jar should get peppercorns, garlic cloves, alum, and dried chili peppers.
How long do the jars need to cool after processing?
The jars should cool undisturbed on a cloth-covered counter for 24 hours.
How should the cucumbers be packed into the jars?
The cucumbers should be packed upright into each prepared jar.
What are some serving suggestions for these pickles?
They are perfect as appetizers, sandwich toppings, or as a zesty addition to charcuterie boards.
Are there any health claims associated with these pickles?
According to anecdotal stories from friends, these pickles are legendary for their supposed ability to banish colds.
What is the recommended amount of crushed red pepper flakes?
The recipe suggests 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes if you want an extra heat boost.
How much pickling spice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pickling spices.
How much peppercorn is used in the recipe?
The total amount of peppercorns used is 1 1/2 tablespoons.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to thoroughly clean the medium pickling cucumbers in cold water.
What should be done to the jar rims before sealing?
The rims should be wiped with a clean cloth to remove any residue before placing the lids.
How tight should the jar bands be screwed on?
The bands should be screwed on until they are fingertip-tight.
How many chili peppers go into each individual jar?
The recipe recommends placing 1-2 dried whole chili peppers in each jar.
Is the brine boiled before being poured into jars?
Yes, the mixture should be brought to a boil to ensure all ingredients dissolve and flavor develops.
What size cucumbers are used?
The recipe specifically calls for medium pickling cucumbers.
How much alum goes into each jar?
Each jar receives 1/8 teaspoon of alum.
What is the flavor profile of Mondo's pickles?
They are described as a fiery explosion of flavor with a perfect balance of heat and crunch.
What equipment is used to hold the dill sprigs in the brine?
A piece of cheesecloth is used to create a spice and dill infusion bundle.