Pecan Free Refrigerator Pickles
Crisp, tangy, and loaded with bright flavor, these homemade refrigerator pickles are the kind of condiment that makes everything on the plate taste better. Salting the cucumber slices first draws out excess moisture, which is the secret to keeping them satisfyingly crunchy rather than soggy once the brine goes in. Apple cider vinegar gives the brine a mellow, slightly fruity backbone, while maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance the heat from the optional red pepper flakes. Fresh dill and scallion tops tucked into each jar bring an herby, garden-fresh aroma that store-bought pickles simply can't replicate. The whole process is straightforward ā no canning equipment, no complicated technique, just a saucepan and a couple of mason jars. Since every ingredient here is naturally free of tree nuts, there's zero guesswork about what's actually in the jar. Make a batch on Sunday and by Monday you'll have a punchy, versatile pickle ready to pile onto sandwiches, burgers, or a cheese board all week long.
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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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