Zesty Spicy Crunchy Garden Pickles
Elevate your snacking game with these Zesty Spicy Crunchy Garden Pickles! Unlike store-bought options, these homemade pickles are packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch. The combination of freshly sliced cucumbers, crisp cauliflower, and fiery jalapenos creates a medley that's perfect for topping on burgers or enjoying straight from the jar. This quick refrigerator method ensures that you can whip up a batch without the hassle of canning, delivering that fresh garden taste right to your table. Perfect for a summer picnic or a snack at any time of year, you'll never want to go back to store-bought again!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kirby cucumbers
8 (sliced thick)
Cauliflower florets
2 cups (fresh)
Fresh jalapenos
1 cup (sliced, or use pickled jalapenos if preferred)
Onions
1 1/2 (sliced)
Carrots
2 (sliced)
Celery ribs
2 (sliced)
Pickle juice
3 1/2 cups (from dill pickles)
Sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
Jalapeno juice
1/2 cup (from pickled jalapenos)
Dried hot red chili peppers
8-10 (whole)
Garlic cloves
5 (peeled)
Celery seed
1 teaspoon (whole)
Mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (whole)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, cauliflower florets, and the fresh jalapenos if you're using them.
2
For those using pickled jalapenos, skip this step. Instead, in a large saucepan, add the fresh jalapenos (if using), sliced onions, carrots, celery, pickle juice, sugar, jalapeno juice, dried chili peppers, garlic cloves, celery seeds, and mustard seeds.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
4
Once boiling, carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
5
Pack the mixture firmly into large jars or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure the pickles are submerged in the brine.
6
Refrigerate for 1-2 weeks. Stir the mixture daily to encourage even pickling and ensure the cucumbers remain crisp. The pickles will be ready when they have absorbed the flavors but still retain their crunch.
7
These pickles are best kept in the refrigerator and are not suitable for canning or freezing.
Nutrition Information
0.4g
Fat
20g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Spicy Crunchy Garden Pickles?
They are homemade refrigerator pickles featuring a mix of Kirby cucumbers, cauliflower, and jalapenos in a vibrant, spicy brine.
What type of cucumbers are best for this recipe?
Kirby cucumbers are recommended for this recipe because they hold their crunch well during the pickling process.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be sliced thick to ensure they remain crunchy after being submerged in the brine.
What other vegetables are included in these pickles?
In addition to cucumbers, the recipe includes cauliflower florets, sliced onions, carrots, celery ribs, and jalapenos.
Is this a canning recipe?
No, this is a quick refrigerator method recipe and is not suitable for traditional shelf-stable canning.
How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready?
The pickles should be refrigerated for 1 to 2 weeks to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Can I use pickled jalapenos instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of sliced pickled jalapenos if fresh ones are not available.
What makes these pickles spicy?
The heat comes from a combination of fresh jalapenos, jalapeno juice, and 8 to 10 whole dried hot red chili peppers.
What is the base of the pickling brine?
The brine is made from a combination of dill pickle juice and jalapeno juice, along with sugar and spices.
Do I need to boil the brine?
Yes, you must bring the brine mixture to a boil to ensure the sugar is completely dissolved before pouring it over the vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving of these pickles?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Are there any specific seeds used for seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses one teaspoon each of whole celery seeds and whole mustard seeds.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe uses 5 peeled garlic cloves for flavor.
Can I freeze these garden pickles?
No, these pickles are not suitable for freezing as it would negatively impact the texture of the vegetables.
Why do I need to stir the pickles daily while they refrigerate?
Stirring daily encourages even pickling and ensures the cucumbers remain consistently crisp.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.
How many Kirby cucumbers are needed?
You will need 8 Kirby cucumbers for this batch.
What type of container should be used for storage?
You should use large glass jars or a container with a tight-fitting lid to keep them in the refrigerator.
How much cauliflower is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fresh cauliflower florets.
Is there any protein in these pickles?
Yes, there is approximately 1.6g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
These pickles are very low in fat, with only 0.4g per serving.
How many carrots and celery ribs are used?
The recipe uses 2 sliced carrots and 2 sliced celery ribs.
Can I use these as a burger topping?
Absolutely! Their zesty and spicy flavor makes them an excellent topping for burgers.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used to make these garden pickles.
How many onions do I need?
You will need 1 1/2 sliced onions.
How much pickle juice is required for the brine?
You need 3 1/2 cups of pickle juice, ideally from a jar of dill pickles.
How much jalapeno juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of jalapeno juice from a jar of pickled jalapenos.
Are these pickles better than store-bought?
Yes, they offer a much more vibrant flavor and a superior crunch compared to mass-produced store-bought options.
Are these pickles suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, they are a perfect refreshing and spicy snack for picnics or any time of the year.