Mixed Pickles.

Rachel-Jayne's Allotment
4 days ago
3 min read

The Preserve You Need In Your Kitchen For All The Excess Veg You've Grown.

If you love bold flavors that add a kick to your dishes, it's time to embrace mixed pickles as your kitchen ally. Imagine enhancing salads, sandwiches, or your go-to curry with a burst of tanginess. In this post, we’ll explore how to create a homemade mixed pickle brimming with vibrant vegetables like cauliflower, onions, and spiced vinegar. Get ready to transform your meals!

What You’ll Need

To embark on your mixed pickle journey, gather these ingredients:

675g Onions: Choose between red or white onions for a unique flavor twist.
1 Medium Cauliflower: This is the star, providing crunch and texture.
1 Cucumber: Infuses a refreshing element into the mix.
450g French Beans: Add texture and a splash of color to your pickles.
Fresh Red or Green Chilis: Modify the heat according to your preference.
1L Spiced Vinegar: This will enrich all the flavors and preserve the vegetables.

With these basic ingredients, you can let your creativity shine and customize your pickle to suit your taste.

Preparing Your Vegetables

Start your mixed pickle adventure by prepping the veggies. Ensure they are washed properly for maximum crispness!

Onions: Peel and slice them into either thin rounds or thicker quarters if you prefer more texture.
Cauliflower: Cut into small florets. They should be bite-sized yet firm enough to hold their shape.
Cucumber: Slice into thin rounds or half-moons for a beautiful presentation.
French Beans: Trim both ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces for easy snacking.
Chilis: Slice lengthwise for extra heat, or leave them whole for a milder taste.

Colorful ingredients not only enhance flavor but also make your pickle visually appealing!

The Pickling Brine

Now, let’s focus on making the brine. The magic of the pickle lies in the spiced vinegar, which flavors your vegetables and acts as a preservative.

In a large pot, heat 1 litre of spiced vinegar. You can use store-bought or create your own by adding mustard seeds, allspice, and cloves to ordinary vinegar for an added flavor boost.
Bring the vinegar to a simmer—hot enough to infuse flavors but not boiling, which can alter the taste.

Feel free to personalize your brine! Toss in spices that you adore. Cooking should reflect your tastes!

Pop It All Together

Now that your brine is ready, it’s time to merge the veggies and the vinegar.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepped ingredients: onions, cauliflower, cucumbers, French beans, and chilis. Cover with brine and soak for 24 hours,
Pack drained mix into jars. Carefully pour the cold spiced vinegar over the vegetables, ensuring everything is fully submerged.
Mix gently to coat all the veggies in that spiced vinegar. This is key to the pickling process!

You now have a vivid medley of flavors just waiting to be savored.

Storing Your Pickles

To keep your mixed pickles fresh, cover, seal and label jars.

For the best flavor, store jars in a cool darl place. You can start tasting after just one day, but allowing them to marinate for a week will intensify the flavors.

How to Use Your Mixed Pickles

Your homemade mixed pickles are incredibly versatile! Here are a few suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Pair them with grilled meats or curry for a delicious contrast.
In Salads: Add a few spoonfuls to fresh salads for a zesty enhancement.
In Sandwiches: Layer them in sandwiches or wraps for an exciting punch.
As a Snack: Enjoy directly from the jar for a quick zingy treat.

With so many delicious options, you can easily incorporate mixed pickles in your daily meals!

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

Once you’ve made your mixed pickles, store them properly to maximize their shelf life.

Refrigerate the jars after opening. Homemade pickles can typically last 3 to 6 weeks when stored cold, but you will likely enjoy them best within the first month for optimal crunch and flavor.
Always use clean utensils when retrieving pickles. This will help prevent unwanted bacteria.

Savor the satisfying crunch and diverse flavors, knowing you’ve created these yourself!

Wrapping Up the Pickle Journey

Making your mixed pickles is a gratifying experience that can liven up your meals. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can turn simple dishes into flavor-packed adventures.

So grab your fresh veggies and start your mixed pickle journey today! You’ll be amazed at how this easy process can elevate your dishes and impress family and friends.