Easy Pickles and Onions Recipe: A Zingy Side Dish for Any Meal
This recipe delivers perfectly crisp and tangy pickled onions and peppers – a vibrant side dish that elevates any meal. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. Perfect for burger toppings, tacos, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on their own!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup white vinegar (distilled white vinegar works best)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated or caster sugar)
- 2 tablespoons salt (kosher salt is recommended)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Thinly slice the red onion and red bell pepper. Aim for even slices for consistent pickling. You can use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform results, but a sharp knife works just as well.
Step 2: Combine the Brine
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 3: Pickle the Vegetables
- Once the brine is boiling, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pack the sliced onions and peppers tightly into a clean glass jar.
- Pour the cooled brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged.
- If there is any air space, add a little more water to fully submerge them, ensuring no air pockets are left.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Enjoy!
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. These pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for the Best Pickles and Onions:
- Thinly sliced is key: The thinner your slices, the quicker they'll pickle and the more tender they'll be.
- Use a good quality vinegar: Distilled white vinegar provides the best flavor and pickling results.
- Don't skip the salt: Salt is crucial for the pickling process, drawing out moisture from the vegetables and preserving them.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices, such as mustard seeds, dill seeds, or bay leaves, for a more complex flavor profile. You could also try using different types of peppers for a variation in color and flavor.
This simple recipe is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. The pickled onions and peppers are incredibly versatile, and you'll find yourself adding them to everything from sandwiches and salads to tacos and burgers. Enjoy!
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