Sweet & Spicy Kosher Dill Pickles
Transform your store-bought kosher dill pickles into a delightful sweet and tangy snack! This recipe combines the bite of classic kosher dills with a touch of sweetness and the warming essence of pickling spices. Perfect for elevating sandwiches, adding crunch to salads, or simply enjoying straight from the jar, these pickles offer a unique twist that will have your taste buds dancing. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a jar of pickles that’s bursting with flavor and beautifully complements any meal.
1
Servings
600
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher dill pickles (slicers or spears)
24 (ounces)
White sugar
1.5 (cups)
Pickling spices
2 (teaspoons)
Reserved pickle juice
0.25 (cup)
White vinegar
0.25 (cup)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the pickle juice from the jar into a medium bowl. Make sure to leave the pickles in the jar and set aside the reserved pickle juice.
2
In a saucepan, combine the reserved pickle juice, white vinegar, and white sugar. Stir the mixture continuously with a whisk while heating over medium-low until it comes to a simmer. Once simmering, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat.
3
Add the pickling spices to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to steep for approximately 10 minutes to fully develop the flavors.
4
While the mixture is steeping, place the pickle jar on a plate to catch any overflow. After steeping, carefully pour the vinegar/pickle juice/sugar mixture over the pickles in the jar.
5
Seal the jar with its lid and let it cool completely at room temperature.
6
Once cooled, place the jar in the refrigerator. Allow the pickles to marinate for at least three days to enhance their sweet and tangy flavor.
7
After three days, your sweet and spicy kosher dill pickles will be ready to enjoy! Serve alone, on sandwiches, or alongside your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
150g
Carbs
0g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Spicy Kosher Dill Pickles?
They are a transformed version of store-bought kosher dill pickles that have been marinated in a sweet and spiced vinegar solution.
Can I use pickle spears instead of slices?
Yes, you can use either slicers or spears for this recipe as long as they are 24 ounces.
How long do the pickles need to marinate?
For the best flavor, the pickles should marinate in the refrigerator for at least three days.
Why do I need to reserve the pickle juice?
The reserved juice is combined with sugar and vinegar to create the base of the new sweet and spicy brine.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of white sugar to maintain the classic flavor profile and clear appearance.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including the pickles, sugar, and vinegar, are vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegetarians.
How much sugar is in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of white sugar, which accounts for the majority of the 150g of carbohydrates.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for white vinegar to provide a sharp, clean tang.
What are pickling spices?
Pickling spices typically include a blend of mustard seed, coriander, peppercorns, and other aromatic spices.
Can I make these pickles even spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of pickling spices or add red pepper flakes to the saucepan for extra heat.
Do I need to boil the pickles themselves?
No, you only simmer the juice, vinegar, and sugar mixture; the pickles remain in the jar.
How long do these pickles last in the refrigerator?
When kept sealed and refrigerated, these pickles can last for several weeks.
Can I reuse the sweet brine for a second batch?
It is recommended to use fresh ingredients for each batch to ensure the best flavor and safety.
Why do I need to steep the mixture for 10 minutes?
Steeping allows the pickling spices to fully infuse their flavor into the hot liquid before it is poured over the pickles.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead?
You can, though it will change the flavor profile and color of the brine compared to white vinegar.
Are these pickles gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your store-bought pickles to be sure.
What is the flavor profile of these pickles?
They offer a balance of the original salty dill flavor mixed with a sweet, tangy, and warm spiced finish.
Can I use homemade dill pickles as the base?
Yes, as long as they are fully cured kosher dills, you can use homemade ones.
Do I need to use a water bath canner?
No, this is a refrigerator pickle recipe and does not require heat processing for long-term shelf storage.
What is the total calorie count for the jar?
The total calorie count for the entire prepared recipe is approximately 600 calories.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can reduce the sugar, but it will significantly change the 'sweet' aspect of the 'sweet and spicy' flavor.
What should I serve these pickles with?
They are excellent on sandwiches, burgers, chopped into salads, or served as a side dish for barbecues.
Why should I put the jar on a plate when pouring?
This is a safety precaution to catch any overflow or spills of the hot liquid as you fill the jar.
Can I eat them immediately?
While safe to eat, the flavors won't have permeated the pickles until they have marinated for at least three days.
Are these pickles considered kosher?
The recipe uses kosher dills as a base; if you require strict kosher certification, ensure all added ingredients are certified.
Do I need to peel the pickles?
No, the pickles should be left with their skins on for the classic crunch.
Can I add fresh garlic or onion?
Yes, adding fresh garlic cloves or sliced onions to the jar can add another layer of flavor.
What if I don't have enough reserved juice?
If you are short on juice, you can slightly increase the amount of white vinegar and water.
Should the jar be hot when I put it in the fridge?
No, you should let the jar cool completely at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.