Sweet & Tangy Pickled Cucumber Recipe for Summer Snacking

Crisp and tangy pickled cucumbers offer a zesty twist to summer snacking that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Summer gardens burst with fresh ingredients perfect for this simple preservation technique.

Salt, vinegar, and herbs work magic in transforming ordinary cucumbers into extraordinary pickles.

Small jars of homemade pickles become delightful gifts that spark conversations and memories.

Each crunchy bite tells a story of culinary creativity and traditional techniques.

Unexpected flavor combinations can turn these pickles into a gourmet experience that surprises and delights.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and start pickling right away.

Common FAQs For Nigella Pickled Cucumber

• What are nigella seeds, and where can I find them?

Nigella seeds are small, black seeds with a slightly peppery, oregano-like flavor, commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. You can find them in specialty spice shops, international grocery stores, or online retailers.

• Can I use different types of vinegar for pickling?

Yes, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or white wine vinegar. Each will impart a slightly different flavor to your pickled cucumbers.

• How long can I keep these pickled cucumbers?

These pickled cucumbers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness.

Why Nigella Pickled Cucumber Is A Hit

• Elevate Simple Sides: Transform boring cucumbers into a zesty, tangy pickle that adds instant excitement to any meal, making ordinary dishes pop with flavor.
• Quick Preservation Magic: Master the art of pickling with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, creating a versatile condiment that stores beautifully in the refrigerator.
• Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with optional herbs like dill or additional spices, allowing personal creativity to shine through this adaptable pickle recipe that welcomes culinary exploration.
• Health-Conscious Snacking: Enjoy a low-calorie, probiotic-rich condiment that provides a refreshing crunch while supporting digestive wellness without compromising on taste.

What’s Inside Nigella Pickled Cucumber

• Cucumber: Fresh and crisp vegetable that provides the base for the pickled condiment.

• Vinegar, Water: Acidic base that helps preserve and flavor the cucumber slices.
• Sugar: Balances the tartness and adds a subtle sweetness to the pickle.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps in the preservation process.

• Dill, Nigella Seeds: Adds depth of flavor and traditional pickling complexity to the cucumber slices.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and enhances the overall taste profile.

How To Prepare Nigella Pickled Cucumber

Step 1: Slice Cucumbers Beautifully

Grab fresh cucumbers and use a sharp knife to create thin, uniform slices that will absorb the tangy brine perfectly. You want elegant, almost translucent pieces that will look gorgeous in your final pickle jar.

Step 2: Prepare Pickling Container

Select a clean glass jar or ceramic container that can withstand hot liquid. If you love herbal notes, sprinkle some fresh dill into the bottom of your container for extra flavor complexity.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Brine

• White vinegar
• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Nigella seeds

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar completely dissolves and the liquid becomes clear and smooth.

Step 4: Infuse Cucumber Slices

Carefully pour the hot, aromatic brine over the cucumber slices, ensuring every piece gets completely covered. The hot liquid will start transforming the cucumbers immediately.

Step 5: Allow Initial Cooling

Let the pickles sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to begin absorbing the tangy liquid.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Develop Flavor

Transfer the container to the refrigerator and let the pickles rest for at least 12 hours. This waiting period allows the cucumbers to develop deep, complex pickle flavor and achieve the perfect crisp texture.

Easy Tips For Nigella Pickled Cucumber

• Select Crisp Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantity to match your taste preference, adding more or less as desired.
• Slice Uniformly: Use a mandolin or sharp knife to create even, thin cucumber slices for consistent pickling.
• Experiment with Spices: Replace nigella seeds with mustard seeds, peppercorns, or fresh herbs like thyme for unique flavor profiles.
• Extend Freshness: Store pickled cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to develop.

Simple Tweaks For Nigella Pickled Cucumber

• Spicy Pickled Cucumbers: Replace black pepper with red chili flakes and add minced jalapeños for a hot kick.
• Asian-Inspired Pickles: Swap vinegar with rice vinegar, add grated ginger, and include a splash of soy sauce for umami flavor.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use a reduced-sodium salt alternative and replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier option.
• Herb-Infused Pickles: Mix in fresh herbs like tarragon, basil, or thyme instead of dill for a different aromatic profile.

What Goes With Nigella Pickled Cucumber

• Elevate Pickle Platter: Pair these tangy cucumber pickles with creamy goat cheese and crisp crackers for a delightful appetizer that balances sharp and smooth textures.
• Sandwich Companion: Layer these zesty pickles inside a roasted turkey or ham sandwich to add a bright, crunchy element that cuts through rich meats and enhances overall flavor.
• Charcuterie Board Accent: Arrange these pickles alongside cured meats, aged cheeses, and olives to create a vibrant and interesting Mediterranean-inspired spread that guests will love.
• Wine and Pickle Harmony: Complement the pickle's acidity with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that refreshes the palate and matches the pickle's sharpness.

How To Store Nigella Pickled Cucumber Properly

• Keep pickled cucumbers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Ensure they are completely submerged in the brine to maintain crispness and flavor.
• Do not freeze pickled cucumbers, as freezing will destroy their crisp texture and change their taste. The high water content causes them to become mushy and lose their signature crunch.
• These pickles are best served cold. If you prefer them slightly warm, gently heat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid prolonged heating to preserve their original texture.
• Always use clean utensils when removing pickles from the container to prevent bacterial growth and maintain their fresh taste. Store away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination.

Pickled Cucumber Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crisp garden cucumbers dance with zesty dill pickles in this classic homemade recipe that brings European pickling traditions to your kitchen. Quick brining creates tangy, crunchy pickle slices you’ll crave on sandwiches, salads, and straight from the jar.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 large cucumber

Pickling Liquid:

• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) white wine vinegar
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) water

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp mandoline or knife for consistent pickling.
2. Transfer cucumber slices into a sterile glass container, layering with optional fresh dill sprigs for enhanced aromatic flavor.
3. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper in a saucepan, heating over medium flame while stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
4. Introduce nigella seeds to the liquid mixture, allowing them to infuse their distinctive flavor during a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully pour the steaming hot brine directly over the prepared cucumber slices, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
6. Allow the pickles to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 30 minutes, enabling initial flavor melding and slight cooling.
7. Transfer the container to the refrigerator, letting the pickles marinate and develop their tangy profile for a minimum of 12 hours before serving.

Notes

• Select crisp, firm cucumbers for the best texture and crunch in your pickles.
• Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or rice vinegar to create unique flavor profiles.
• Use a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin cucumber slices that pickle evenly and look professional.
• Adjust sugar and salt levels to create a custom sweet-tangy balance that suits your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 16 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 2280 mg
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.3 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 0.7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg