Staying In: Homemade Pickling Recipes for a Crunchy, Satisfying Snack

In these difficult times, it's important to find activities and tasks to do that will keep you feeling productive and centered. We can't think of a more enriching and nurturing task than cooking a delicious meal, which is why we asked Lior Lev Sercarz – chef, spice blender and owner of La Boîte – to share a few easy pickling recipes you can make at home for a healthy and crunchy snack. And yes, it is worth the extra effort to make these on your own – we promise, homemade pickles are infinitely more satisfying and fresher than their store-bought equivalents.   

Pickled Jalapeños

Ingredients

 

∙ 4-5 jalapeños – washed and sliced ∙ 20 grams salt ∙ 35 grams vinegar (any kind you like or have)

∙ Coriander seeds ∙ Dry sliced garlic ∙ 1 pint size mason jar (or double the recipe and use a quart jar)

 

Directions

 

1) Bring 2 cups of water to a simmer with salt and vinegar. Set aside.

2) Layer the sliced jalapeño in the jar while sprinkling in some coriander seeds and garlic slices between each layer.

3) Pour the warm brine on top and seal with the lid. Set aside on the counter overnight and then store in the refrigerator.

Other Options

1) Substitute one jalapeño with a carrot (thinly sliced)

2) Use any other spice combination you like

3) Use the brine from the pickles for salad dressing or Martinis.

 

Cucumber Dill Pickles

Ingredients

 

∙ 5 persian (aka israeli) cucumbers, washed and cut in 1/2 inch disks ∙ 5 fresh dill sprigs ∙ 1 teaspoon ajowan seeds ∙ 2 teaspoons dill seeds ∙ 3 teaspoons Muntok white pepper

∙ 2 teaspoons Tellicherry black pepper ∙ 2 teaspoons green peppercorns ∙ 1/4 cup sherry vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) ∙ 2 tablespoons salt ∙ 1 tablespoon sugar

 

Directions