Barley Free Classic Pickled Vegetables

Total time24 hr 30 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time10 min

4.8

(21)

Crisp cucumbers, bright carrots, and peppery radishes come together in a tangy, garlicky brine that transforms humble produce into something genuinely craveable. The snap of each vegetable against that vinegary, lightly sweet brine is deeply satisfying — the kind of thing you'll find yourself pulling out of the fridge to snack on straight from the jar. Commercially pickled vegetables can be surprisingly tricky territory, since some brines and flavor blends sneak in malt-based ingredients that contain barley, but this recipe keeps everything clean and straightforward. White wine vinegar, kosher salt, sugar, and water are all you need for a brine that's bold without any hidden grain-based additives. Fresh dill and whole peppercorns do the heavy lifting on flavor, with optional red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. The longer you let the jars sit in the fridge, the more deeply the vegetables absorb that brine — 48 hours in, they're genuinely spectacular alongside grilled meats, grain bowls, or a cheese board.

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Ingredients

8 servings

For the vegetables

2 medium english cucumbers (about 1 lb total), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
3 medium carrots (about 8 oz total), peeled and sliced into ¼-inch coins
1 bunch radishes (about 8 oz), trimmed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 sprigs fresh dill
1 tsp black peppercorns
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the brine

1 ½ cups white wine vinegar
1 ½ cups water
2 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1
Divide the cucumber rounds, carrot coins, and radish slices evenly between two clean wide-mouth quart mason jars, packing them in snugly. Tuck 2 garlic slices, 2 dill sprigs, 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) into each jar.
2
Combine the white wine vinegar, water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.

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