How to Make Your Own Pickles Without a Refrigerator (Plus 5 Delicious Recipes)
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Pickles are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to sandwiches, salads, and more. While many people associate pickles with refrigeration, it is actually possible to make pickles without a refrigerator. In fact, pickling has been used as a method of food preservation for centuries, long before the invention of refrigeration. In this article, we will explore how to make your own pickles without a refrigerator, plus five delicious pickle recipes to try.
What Are Pickles?
Pickles are cucumbers that have been preserved in a solution of vinegar, salt, and sometimes sugar and spices. The pickling process involves soaking the cucumbers in the solution for a period of time, which allows the flavors to infuse into the cucumbers and helps to preserve them.
How to Make Pickles Without a Refrigerator
Making pickles without a refrigerator is actually quite simple. All you need is a few basic ingredients and some patience. Here's how to do it:
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Step 1: Choose Your Cucumbers
The first step in making pickles is choosing the right cucumbers. Look for small to medium-sized cucumbers that are firm and have few seeds. You can use any variety of cucumber, but some popular choices include Kirby, Persian, and English cucumbers.
Step 2: Prepare Your Brine
Next, prepare your brine by mixing equal parts water and vinegar in a large pot. Add salt and any desired spices, such as garlic, dill, or mustard seeds. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the salt dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Pack Your Jars
Pack your cucumbers tightly into clean, sterilized jars. Add any desired flavorings, such as fresh dill, garlic cloves, or sliced onions.
Step 4: Add Your Brine
Pour the brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered. Leave about a half inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
Step 5: Let Them Sit
Let your pickles sit at room temperature for 3-10 days, depending on how sour you like them. As the pickles ferment, you will notice bubbles forming and the liquid becoming cloudy. This is normal and indicates that the pickling process is working.
Step 6: Store Your Pickles
Once your pickles have reached the desired level of sourness, store them in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. They will keep for several months.
5 Delicious Pickle Recipes
Now that you know how to make pickles without a refrigerator, it's time to try some delicious recipes. Here are five of our favorites:
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1. Classic Dill Pickles
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cucumbers
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 2 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions:
- Follow the steps above to make your pickles.
- Add the garlic, dill, and peppercorns to each jar before pouring in the brine.
- Let the pickles ferment for 3-7 days before storing.
2. Spicy Pickled Carrots
Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
Instructions:
- Follow the steps above to make your pickles.
- Add the jalapeno, cumin, and coriander to each jar before pouring in the brine.
- Let the pickles ferment for 3-7 days before storing.
3. Bread and Butter Pickles
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cucumbers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp celery seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions:
- Follow the steps above to make your pickles.
- Add the onion and spices to each jar before pouring in the brine.
- Let the pickles ferment for 3-7 days before storing.
4. Quick Pickled Red Onions
Ingredients:
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- 2 medium red onions, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir until the salt and honey are dissolved.
- Pack the onions into clean, sterilized jars.
- Pour the brine over the onions, making sure they are completely covered.
- Let the onions sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
5. Pickled Beets
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beets, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
Instructions:
- Follow the steps above to make your pickles.
- Add the cinnamon stick and cloves to each jar before pouring in the brine.
- Let the pickles ferment for 7-10 days before storing.
Conclusion
Making pickles without a refrigerator is not only possible, but it's also easy and delicious. By following these simple steps and trying out different flavor combinations, you can enjoy homemade pickles all year round. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.
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