Zesty Sweet-Hot Pickled Cucumbers
Enjoy a refreshing twist on classic pickled cucumbers with this easy Sweet-Hot Marinated Cucumbers recipe. Originating from a 1999 WW cookbook called 'In Season,' this delightful salad balances the tangy bite of red wine vinegar with the sweetness of sugar, complemented by a kick of crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect as a make-ahead side dish, these cucumbers are not only a fantastic addition to summer barbecues but also make a savory snack. The longer they marinate, the more intense their flavor becomes, allowing you to customize the heat level to your liking. Ideal for sharing, these cucumbers transport well, making them perfect for picnics and potlucks. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and spicy in every crunchy bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cucumbers
4 cups (peeled and thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
2
Add the peeled and thinly sliced cucumbers to the vinegar mixture, tossing gently until all slices are well coated.
3
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For optimal flavor, marinate for several hours or overnight.
4
Before serving, give the cucumbers a quick stir to redistribute the marinade. Enjoy cold as a zesty side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Sweet-Hot Pickled Cucumbers?
They are a refreshing and crunchy side dish featuring cucumbers marinated in a blend of red wine vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from a 1999 Weight Watchers (WW) cookbook called 'In Season'.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: red wine vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and cucumbers.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
How much sugar is required?
You will need 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Are these cucumbers spicy?
Yes, they have a kick from the addition of 3/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference.
How many cucumbers do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cucumbers.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be peeled and thinly sliced before marinating.
How do I make the marinade?
Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and salt in a bowl until the solids are fully dissolved.
How long do the cucumbers need to marinate?
They should refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though several hours or overnight is recommended for optimal flavor.
Does the flavor change over time?
Yes, the longer the cucumbers marinate, the more intense and developed the flavors become.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead prep?
Yes, it is an ideal make-ahead side dish as the flavor improves with time.
What is the best way to serve these cucumbers?
Serve them cold and give them a quick stir before serving to redistribute the marinade.
Are these good for outdoor events?
Yes, they transport well and are perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a cooked recipe?
No, this is a no-cook, marinated salad recipe.
What is the texture of the dish?
The cucumbers remain crunchy while absorbing the sweet and spicy marinade.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Absolutely, they make for a zesty and savory healthy snack.
What kind of bowl should I use?
A medium bowl is sufficient for mixing the marinade and tossing the 4 cups of cucumbers.
Do I need to cover the cucumbers while they marinate?
Yes, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as pickled cucumbers, a vegetable salad, and a healthy summer side dish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-based dish from a Weight Watchers cookbook.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients if you are serving a larger crowd.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It is a balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Should the cucumbers be peeled?
The recipe recommends peeling them for the best texture.
How thin should the cucumber slices be?
The recipe suggests slicing them thinly to allow the marinade to penetrate effectively.
What should I do if the sugar hasn't dissolved?
Continue whisking the vinegar mixture until no granules of sugar or salt are visible before adding the cucumbers.
Is this a refreshing dish?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing twist on classic pickled cucumbers.