Sweet and Tangy Crunchy Pickles
These Sweet and Tangy Crunchy Pickles are an irresistible fusion of flavors that elevate the traditional pickle experience. This recipe, inspired by a classic from the Taste of Home magazine (Dec/Jan 2005 Issue), perfectly balances sweetness and a zesty punch, reminiscent of both sweet pickles and bread & butter pickles. Simple to whip up and incredibly satisfying, these pickles are ideal for adding a delightful crunch to sandwiches, salads, or as a unique snack on their own. With minimal prep time, you can set these quick pickles in the fridge and let the flavors meld together for the most delicious outcome in just a week. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole kosher dill pickles
1 (32 ounce) jar (drained)
Sugar
1 1/4 cups (none)
Cider vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
Dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
Celery seed
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the drained whole kosher dill pickles into 1/2 inch thick slices.
2
Return the sliced pickles back into the original jar (or a clean, airtight container) to make mixing easy.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cider vinegar, dried onion flakes, and celery seed until well mixed.
4
Pour the sweet mixture over the sliced pickles in the jar.
5
Cover the jar securely and shake gently until the pickles are evenly coated with the liquid.
6
Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least one week to allow the flavors to develop, shaking the jar occasionally to ensure an even coating.
7
When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to remove pickles from the jar to prevent excess juice from dripping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet and Tangy Crunchy Pickles?
They are a fusion of flavors combining the crunch of kosher dill pickles with a sweet and zesty mixture of sugar, cider vinegar, and spices, similar to bread and butter pickles.
What size jar of pickles is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 32-ounce jar of whole kosher dill pickles.
Do I need to drain the pickles before starting?
Yes, the whole kosher dill pickles should be drained before you begin slicing them.
How thick should I slice the pickles?
The pickles should be sliced into pieces approximately 1/2 inch thick.
Can I reuse the original pickle jar?
Yes, you can return the sliced pickles back into the original jar or use any clean, airtight container.
What ingredients make up the sweet mixture?
The mixture consists of sugar, cider vinegar, dried onion flakes, and celery seed.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of sugar.
What kind of vinegar is best for these pickles?
Cider vinegar is used to provide the perfect tangy punch to balance the sweetness.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes and 1 tablespoon of celery seed.
How do I ensure the pickles are evenly coated?
After pouring the mixture into the jar, cover it securely and shake gently until all slices are coated.
How long do the pickles need to sit in the refrigerator?
For the best flavor development, the pickles should sit in the refrigerator for at least one week.
Do I need to stir the pickles while they are chilling?
Instead of stirring, you should shake the jar occasionally during the week to ensure an even coating of the liquid.
Why should I use a slotted spoon to serve the pickles?
A slotted spoon helps remove the pickles from the jar without bringing along excess juice that could cause dripping.
Is there any cooking involved in this recipe?
No, this is a quick-pickle recipe that requires no cooking; it is strictly a prep-and-chill process.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic featured in the December/January 2005 issue of Taste of Home magazine.
Are these pickles considered kosher?
Yes, the recipe uses kosher dill pickles as a base and is categorized under Kosher recipes.
What is the texture of these pickles?
As the name suggests, these pickles maintain an incredibly satisfying and delightful crunch.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is listed as providing 4 servings.
Can I serve these pickles on sandwiches?
Yes, they are ideal for adding a sweet and tangy crunch to sandwiches, salads, or enjoyed as a snack.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 ingredients in total: whole pickles, sugar, cider vinegar, dried onion flakes, and celery seed.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
The recipe specifies cider vinegar for its specific flavor profile, but white vinegar could be used as a substitute if necessary, though the taste will vary.
Is the preparation time long?
The preparation time is minimal; most of the process involves letting the flavors meld in the fridge.
What if I don't have dried onion flakes?
Dried onion flakes are recommended for texture and flavor, but you could omit them or substitute with a very small amount of onion powder.
Should the sugar be dissolved before pouring it over the pickles?
Yes, you should combine the sugar, vinegar, and spices in a separate bowl until well mixed before adding to the jar.
Are these similar to bread and butter pickles?
Yes, the flavor profile is reminiscent of both sweet pickles and traditional bread and butter pickles.
Can I use pre-sliced pickles?
The recipe specifically calls for slicing whole kosher dill pickles to 1/2 inch thickness for the best results.
Where should I store the pickles?
The pickles must be stored in the refrigerator in a securely covered airtight container.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple steps and common ingredients.
How do the flavors change over the week?
As they sit, the pickles absorb the sugar and vinegar mixture, transitioning from a standard dill flavor to a complex sweet and tangy profile.
Can I use celery salt instead of celery seed?
It is better to use celery seed as specified; celery salt would significantly increase the sodium content and change the flavor.