Pickled Cucumber…

Aug 4

These recipe makes delightfully crunchy pickle & even better it is a ‘quick to make’ brine which pickles the cucumber, dill, spring onions, coriander & mustard seeds sometimes I add garlic too. The pickle refrigerates & is ready by the next day or if desperate within 5 hours, if you must!!

Ingredients

Whole coriander seeds - 3tbps
570g Cucumber

Whole mustard seeds - 3tbps
Vinegar - 700ml
Water - 560ml
Peppercorn - 1tbps
Dill - a handful to taste
Bay leaf - 4
Sugar - 4 - 6 of sugar [to your taste - I like mine more tart] - You can omit if you like
Spring onions - 4 - 6
Kosher salt - 2.5tbsps
Pepper - to taste

The Method

Prepare the cucumbers. 570g of cucumbers sliced into rounds. For the best results place the cucumber in a colander and toss in some ice, let them rest in the sink for 20 to 30 minutes, this gives the cucumbers better bite/extra crunch!
To make the brine. Combine the vinegar with the water, add the kosher salt & whole coriander seeds, mustard seeds, dill, peppercorns & bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let simmer for 10 minutes or so. Set the brine aside to cool.
Put the ingredients into your jar - ‘Squidge’ down so that the ingredients are forced together & pour over the brine. Cover completely.

Variations

You can change the cucumbers with carrots, red onions, peppers. Or if slightly blanched green beans, asparagus, cauliflower - what ever you like really within reason!

To change the flavour of the brine you can use chili flakes, garlic, capers & what about a sprinkling of turmeric for colour?

Serving Suggestions

There are so many things I like to serve with this pickle, fish being my favourite, hot or cold. This pickle often finds itself on the table with cheese & is delightful with meats - So you really can’t go wrong with it, it is a great all rounder!

One thing I like to serve with this Cucumber pickle, is toasted bread topped with Horseradish Sauce covered liberally with smoked salmon or cooled trout! It is beyond delicious!

Horseradish Sauce - Cream cheese or sour cream, 2tbsps of horseradish, 2tbsps of mayonnaise, tsp of cider vinegar, salt to taste, black pepper & chopped chives. Mixed together - what could be easier?

Serving Suggestions