Caffeine Free Refrigerator Pickles
Crisp, tangy, and loaded with bright flavor, these refrigerator pickles are the kind of condiment that makes everything on your plate taste better. Salting the cucumber slices first draws out excess moisture, which keeps the brine beautifully clear and the texture satisfyingly snappy even after days in the jar. The brine itself is a simple combination of apple cider vinegar, water, and maple syrup, so you get that classic sweet-sour balance without any processed sugars or mystery additives. Fresh dill and scallion tops tucked into each jar add an herby, aromatic depth that store-bought versions rarely deliver. A pinch of mustard seeds and black peppercorns round out the flavor with gentle warmth, and a hit of red pepper flakes is there if you want a little kick. The whole process comes together in under an hour of active time, and after a night in the fridge, you have two jars of genuinely craveable pickles ready to go. They keep for up to two weeks, though in most households they disappear long before that.
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Learn more āIngredients
8 servings
- 2 medium english cucumbers (about 1 Ā½ lb total), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
For the brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Ā½ tsp black peppercorns
- Ā½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the jars
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 4 scallion green tops, cut into 2-inch pieces
Instructions
- 1
Toss the cucumber slices with 1 tsp kosher salt in a colander set over the sink. Let them stand for 10 minutes, then rinse briefly under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. This draws out excess moisture so the brine stays clear and the slices stay crisp.
- 2
Combine the apple cider vinegar, water, maple syrup, 1 tsp kosher salt, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and maple syrup are fully dissolved, about 2ā3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the brine cool for 5 minutes.
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