Crispy Homemade Cucumber and Bell Pepper Pickles
How to Make Sparkling Vegetable Pickles at Home: A Delicious Recipe
Let’s make some wonderfully crunchy cucumber pickles. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/3 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 cup Sugar (200ml)
- 1 cup Vinegar (200ml)
- 2 cups Water (400ml)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Pickling Spice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re going to make some sweet and sour pickles today that are wonderfully crisp. They are perfect for serving with any meal and can be stored in the refrigerator for a delicious side dish anytime.
Step 2
First, thoroughly wash the cucumbers by rubbing them with coarse salt. This helps to remove any surface impurities and contributes to a crispier texture. Also, wash the red bell pepper.
Step 3
Slice the cucumbers to a medium thickness, similar to the pickles you might receive with takeout food – not too thin. Cut the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces as well. Place the prepared cucumber and bell pepper slices into a glass jar that has been sterilized with hot water and thoroughly dried. Ensuring the jar is dry is crucial for proper preservation.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the pickling brine. In a pot, combine 1 cup of vinegar, 2 cups of water, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 Tbsp of pickling spice. Add 1 cup of sugar to the mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, ensuring the sugar is fully incorporated.
Step 5
Once the brine is boiling, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pickling spice, preventing any clumping. Immediately pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and bell peppers in the sterilized jar. Pouring the hot brine helps to slightly cook the vegetables, enhancing their crisp texture.
Step 6
Because we are pouring the brine while it’s still hot, the pickles will be ready to eat in about 30 minutes! They’ll be quite flavorful even then. For best results and longer storage, allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Enjoy your delicious homemade cucumber and bell pepper pickles!
