Brazil Nut Free Classic Dill Pickles
Crunchy, garlicky, and loaded with fresh dill flavor, these homemade pickles are the kind of thing that makes you wonder why you ever bought a jar at the store. The brine is a simple mix of white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and a touch of sugar, and it comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop before getting poured over tightly packed cucumber spears. Mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and optional red pepper flakes give each bite a layered, complex kick that store-bought versions rarely match. Trimming the blossom end of each cucumber is a small but smart step that keeps the pickles firm and snappy rather than soft — a detail that makes a real difference. If you can find grape leaves or horseradish leaves, tucking one into each jar adds an extra layer of crunch thanks to their natural tannins. After just 48 hours in the fridge, you have bright, tangy pickles that are completely free of the mystery additives and shared-facility concerns that come with packaged snacks. They keep for up to three weeks refrigerated, though they rarely last that long once people start snacking.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 lbs kirby or persian cucumbers (about 8–10 small cucumbers)
- 1 ½ cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 tsp dill seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 2 grape leaves or 2 horseradish leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim about 1/8 inch off the blossom end (the end opposite the stem) of each cucumber — this removes enzymes that can soften the pickles. Cut the cucumbers into spears by halving lengthwise, then halving again, or slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
- 2
Divide the garlic, fresh dill sprigs, dill seeds, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly between two clean wide-mouth quart mason jars. If using grape or horseradish leaves, place one in each jar against the inside wall.
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