Have you ever wanted to try your hand at making your own pickles at home but unsure where to start? Look no further! Our recipe for Fermented Pickle Spears is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of homemade pickling. These tangy and crispy pickles are super easy to make and are a fantastic addition to any meal or even as a refreshing snack on a hot day.
**Fermented Pickle Spears**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 pounds pickling cucumbers
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons sea salt
– 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 2 teaspoons dill seeds
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1 bay leaf
– Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cucumbers:** Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the ends and cut them into spears or slices, depending on your preference.
2. **Create the Brine:** In a large bowl, mix together the water and sea salt until the salt is fully dissolved. This will be the brine that will pickle your cucumbers.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a clean and sterilized quart-sized mason jar, add the garlic, dill seeds, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and bay leaf.
4. **Pack the Jar:** Pack the cucumber spears snugly into the jar, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. If you’re using red pepper flakes for a kick, sprinkle them over the cucumbers.
5. **Pour in the Brine:** Slowly pour the brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely submerged. You may need to weigh them down with a small fermentation weight or a clean rock to keep them submerged.
6. **Ferment the Pickles:** Loosely cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel to allow air circulation. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 3-7 days, depending on how sour you like your pickles. Check them every day to make sure they remain submerged and skim off any scum that may form on the surface.
7. **Taste and Enjoy:** After the desired fermentation time, taste your pickles. Once they have reached your desired level of tanginess, seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator. Your Fermented Pickle Spears are now ready to be enjoyed!
These pickles are not only delicious but also full of gut-friendly probiotics thanks to the fermentation process. Serve them alongside your favorite sandwiches, burgers, or salads for a burst of flavor. They also make for a fantastic homemade gift that your friends and family will love.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Once you start making your own pickles at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought ones again. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cucumbers, and get pickling!
