Description
Sweet Heat Pickles are a deliciously tangy and spicy quick pickle recipe that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a zesty condiment, these pickles balance sweetness with a mild heat that can be easily adjusted to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups sliced pickling cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
Brine
- 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, water, kosher salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the brine starts to simmer.
- Layer the Vegetables: While the brine is heating, layer the sliced pickling cucumbers, sweet onion, and jalapeño (if using) into a large heatproof jar or bowl, arranging them evenly to ensure proper pickling.
- Pour Brine Over Vegetables: Carefully pour the hot brine over the layered vegetables, making sure they are completely submerged to allow even pickling and flavor absorption.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jar or bowl to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to develop the best flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Sweet Heat Pickles chilled as a side dish, snack, or accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Notes
- These pickles keep well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- For extra crunch, use small, firm cucumbers and avoid overpacking the jar.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit the jalapeño for a milder version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
