For the pickles:
6 to 8 small cucumbers, sliced into rounds (about 1/4 inch thick)
1 large carrot, sliced into thin rounds or small sticks
4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon dill seeds or 2-3 sprigs of fresh dill
1 bay leaf
1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the brine:
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for balance) (acidity)
Instructions:
Prepare the vegetables:
Wash and slice the cucumbers and carrots. If using onions, slice them as well.
In a clean jar, arrange the cucumber slices, carrots, garlic cloves, and onion slices (if using).
Add the spices:
Add the red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, dill seeds (or fresh dill), and bay leaf to the jar with the vegetables.
Prepare the brine:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, kosher salt, and sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar.
Once the brine comes to a boil, remove it from the heat.
Pickling Process:
Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables and spices in the jar, ensuring everything is completely submerged. You may need to press the vegetables down with a spoon to remove any air bubbles.
Let the jar cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid.
Pickling:
Once the jar is sealed, place it in the refrigerator. Let the pickles marinate for at least 24 hours before serving for optimal flavor. However, they will taste even better after 2 to 3 days.
Serving:
These spicy garlic and dill pickles can be served as a side dish for sandwiches, burgers, or as a snack. They can also add crunch and flavor to salads.
Storage:
These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Always keep the pickles submerged in the brine to maintain their quality and safety.
Tips:
Adjusting the spice level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. For more heat, you can add a sliced jalapeño pepper or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Vegetable variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as radishes, cauliflower, or bell peppers.
Enjoy!