You may have noticed the rise in popularity of spicy foods in recent years, but one food may have gone under your radar: The Pickle. Pickles are a tasty food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including hot. The best part is that making homemade Spicy Pickles is the perfect activity to do with friends and family!
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Well if it went under your radar, it certainly didn’t go under ours. Pickles have been intertwined in our lives for generations and are an integral part of our identity here at Imagine We Could.
By generations we mean of course when we all met each other roughly three weeks ago. Regardless, from the moment we discovered our shared love for pickles it was endgame. From that day we have spent every moment working to provide you with our personal favorite spicy pickle recipe. This artfully crafted masterpiece is one of a kind. Created from a variety of recipes we googled and put together with things college students actually have in their cupboards, and just the right amount of love, we’re left with a spicy masterpiece. The best part is that we did it a team! While we can’t guarantee you’ll love it, we guarantee you’ll love making it.
Before diving right in, take into account your personal spice tolerance. Not everyone can handle this. Whether you are a food connoisseur trying to expand your recipe list or just a college student looking for something fun to do, we hope you enjoy making these spicy pickles!
Health Benefits of Spicy Pickles + Our Ingredients
Spicy Foods
Low in Calories:
Spicy pickles are a great low-calorie snack. The spiciness can also help to satiate your appetite and prevent overeating.
Digestive Health:
The vinegar in pickles acts as a probiotic, promoting healthy gut bacteria.
Vitamin K:
Cucumbers are a fantastic source of Vitamin K which is essential for bone health and blood clotting.
Lower risk of cardiovascular disease:
Research shows a correlation between a higher intake of spicy food and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease
Our Ingredients
Cucumbers:
Cucumbers have Vitamin A, which can help with vision and strengthen the immune system.
Garlic:
Garlic provides protection against the common cold
Onion:
Onions are loaded with antioxidants!
Peppers:
Hot peppers are filled with Vitamins, specifically Vitamin C which has 3x as much Vitamin C as oranges.
Fresh Dill:
Dill is rich in Magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function and energy production.
The Ultimate Spicy Pickle Recipe
Simple Spicy Pickle Recipe
Ingredients / Supplies:
4-5 small cucumbers or 2-3 large cucumbers, sliced into rounds or spears
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed or ½ a teaspoon of garlic powder
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1-2 small red or green chili peppers (adjust to your desired level of spiciness), sliced
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for more or less heat)
1/2 teaspoon dill seeds (optional)
Big sprig of fresh dill
28 oz mason jar
Instructions:
Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers and slice them into rounds or spears. If you're using small pickling cucumbers, you can leave them whole for more of a crunch factor.
Prepare the Brine: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, salt, sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and dill seed (optional). Cook on the stove over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove the brine from the stove. Let cool for a few minutes.
Pack the Jars: In a clean, 28 oz glass mason jar, layer the cucumber slices, crushed garlic cloves, sliced onion, chili peppers, and fresh dill. You can be creative with the layering to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Pour: Pour the brine over the cucumbers in the jars. Ensure that the cucumbers are fully submerged in the mixture. Leave a fingertip of space at the top of each jar.
Seal Lids: Put the tops on the jars, ensuring that the jars are tightly sealed.
Refrigerate. Allow the jars time to cool off. After about an hour, put jars in the refrigerator. For best results, leave pickles untouched at least one week. The pickles will have more flavor and spice.
Enjoy! Our homemade pickles can be customized to your flavor profile. You can adjust the level of spice by adding more/fewer chili peppers and red pepper flakes. Once the pickles are finished to your preferences, sit back, relax and enjoy!
We hope you love these Pickles as much as we do! Making homemade Spicy Pickles is the best way to enjoy a Sunday with a friend, or to give as a homemade gift! You can also bring these Spicy Pickles to any grill out or potluck for the perfect side!
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