Bread and Butter Cucumber Pickles: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a tangy and refreshing pickle recipe that's easy to make? Look no further! This bread and butter cucumber pickle recipe is a classic for a reason – it's simple, delicious, and perfect for adding a zing to any meal. This recipe is optimized for search engines, focusing on relevant keywords and semantic variations.
What You'll Need:
This recipe provides a perfect balance of sweet and sour, creating a pickle that's both crisp and flavorful. It's a great way to preserve your cucumbers and enjoy them throughout the year.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds
- 2 tablespoons celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions:
Wash and slice your cucumbers and onions thinly. Using a mandoline slicer can ensure consistent thickness, leading to even pickling. Consistency in slicing is key for even texture and flavor throughout your finished pickles.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients:
In a large non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enamel-coated), combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, sugar, vinegar, water, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil:
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring gently. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to become slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Canning (Optional):
For long-term storage, you can can your bread and butter pickles. Sterilize jars and lids according to your canning instructions. Carefully ladle the hot pickle mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath according to your canning instructions. This ensures your pickles will be safe and delicious for many months.
Step 5: Refrigerate (for shorter-term storage):
If you don't want to can your pickles, simply let the mixture cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigerated pickles will typically last for 2-3 weeks.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a few cloves of garlic or a bay leaf to the mixture.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pickle, add more sugar. For a tarter pickle, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier pickle. Experiment to find your perfect level of heat.
- Use different spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like dill seeds or caraway seeds.
Enjoy Your Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles!
This recipe offers a versatile and flavorful way to enjoy the crunch and taste of perfectly pickled cucumbers. The resulting pickles are great served alongside sandwiches, burgers, or as a tasty addition to any meal. This homemade bread and butter cucumber pickle recipe offers a delightful culinary experience, perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying on your own! Remember to share your creations and tag us!
