Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers:
Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers
Ingredients:
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- For the Brine:
- 1 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the red onion, and thinly slice the cucumber into rounds.
- Place the sliced vegetables into a large mixing bowl or directly into clean glass jars, layering them with the garlic slices, dill, and red pepper flakes if using.
2. Prepare the Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
- Once the brine comes to a boil, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
3. Pickle the Vegetables:
- Carefully pour the warm brine over the vegetables in the jars, making sure all the vegetables are fully submerged.
- If needed, use a spoon to press the vegetables down to ensure they are covered by the brine.
- Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids.
4. Refrigerate:
- Once cooled, place the jars in the refrigerator. The pickles will start to develop their flavor within a few hours, but for best results, let them sit for at least 24 hours.
5. Serve:
- Serve the pickled cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers as a tangy side dish, in salads, or as a topping for sandwiches and tacos.
Tips:
- Storage: These quick pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Brine Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sugar and salt levels to your taste. You can also experiment with different spices like mustard seeds or coriander for additional flavor.
This recipe provides a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements, making it a perfect addition to many dishe
