Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Refrigerator Dill Pickles



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Ten years ago, if asked if I put by pickles, my answer was a resounding, "No." Twenty years ago, it was a terse and less polite, "Get real." My response thirty yeas ago is best kept to myself. My failure to get with the program wasn't based on laziness, I've just never cared for preserved pickles. I thought they were salty and limp, and found their color just plain unappetizing. I wasn't a complete snob about them. I did love the brined, unprocessed dills that could occasionally be found in be found in barrels in some markets and delicatessens. I just never took the time to find out how they were made. Shortly after we moved to this area, I began to experiment with refrigerated pickles for certain Thai and Vietnamese dishes, and in the process learned I could make our favorite pickles in much the say way. I first mastered a refrigerator version of bread and butter pickles because my family loved to have them on hamburgers. I worked on garlic dills for several years but couldn't get the flavors right. I was about to give up and admit defeat when I found a recipe by Bobby Flay and decided to try one last time. I'm so glad I did. These are great pickles and they require no special equipment to make. They can be eaten the day after they are made and keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator. My only caution is to make sure you have enough room to store them for that length of time. I hope those of you who are fond of pickles will try these. You won't be sorry. Here's the recipe.

Refrigerator Dill Pickles...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Bobby Flay

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon dill seeds
2 cups hot water
2 pounds kirby cucumbers, sliced 1/4-inch thick
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1) Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dill seeds in a heatproof bowl. Add hot water and stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear. Cool to room temperature.
2) Place cucumbers, garlic and dill in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Pour brine over all and turn to coat cucumbers. Cover them with a plate to weigh them down and keep them covered in brine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, stirring once or twice. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks. Yield: 1 quart.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Italian Giardiniera - Luna Cafe
Dill and Garlic Freezer Pickles - The Other Side of Fifty
Bread and Butter Pickles - Simply Recipes
Pickled Cucumber and Shallots - Indo-Chine Kitchen
Calico Pickled Salad - Drick's Rambling Cafe
Favorite Kosher Dills - Never Enough Thyme
Sweet and Spicy Watermelon Rind Pickles - One Perfect Bite

89 comments :

sandra axelrod said...

You are so right! I make them all of the time because we love them so much.The only thing I do differently is use Seedless English Cukes. They stay crisp until we eat them up.

scrambledhenfruit said...

I've made plenty of sweet pickles, but have never tried dills. I like that there's sugar in these, and that it makes a small batch. Sometimes I like that better than dragging out the big kettle! These sound like pickles I'll probably try as soon as the cukes recover from the drought.Thanks for sharing :)

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

I like cucumber pickles but adding dill is new to me, sound refreshing and good.

Alicia said...

These sound so wonderful. I just wish I had the room to store them.

3 hungry tummies said...

Oh I just finished making some cucumber pickles too :) That is a beautiful photo!

Monet said...

What a stunning photograph. Only you could make a jar of pickles look so elegant. I have never made my own before, but this seems like a simple enough recipe for me to try. Thanks for sharing!

Jeannie said...

I love those cucumber pickles that they add into burgers...this should be just as tasty! Thanks for sharing Mary:D

Ginny Hartzler said...

I have never made pickles before, but my husband loves the dills. And these look so crisp and fresh, I can almost feel the snap as I bite into one. Have you written a cookbook, are you published? You should. You have such good stories with your recipies, although I know that some of the recipes are not your own, like this one.

Eileen said...

I love pickles but have never made them - too many memories of having to help my mom do them when I was a kid. Not fun. :) She used to make bread and butter pickles by the gallons it seemed. This recipe looks simple and easy, so I just might try it.

Cristie said...

Mary, so you think there is no good way to can pickles? I have been searching for a recipe to do just that and your discription of canned pickles are exactly what I don't want! Limp is what I've experienced . . . I'm so interested in your post and will be making this tomorrow, but would love to find one to can.

Sushma Mallya said...

Looks lovely and easy to prepare this one...

Anonymous said...

Well I learn something every time I read your posts Mary- I never realised a dill pickle was a cucumber (silly me!) we call dill pickles gherkins here which I think are different although they may be from the same plant family? Have a great day Mary, x

PS I forgot to say that I love dill pickles or gherkins in a pitta bread with tahini and slices of tomato...great recipe- thanks!

Ana Powell said...

One single click representing your awesome talent and good taste.
Great work ♥

Diane said...

This sounds good to me but I need pickles that will last for two years, not two months so I will continue with the recipes I have been doing so far. Have a good day. Diane

Lynn said...

I just need the coriander seeds and will make these with the last cukes from the garden. Such a dry, hot summer, my cukes have faded quickly:@(

Anonymous said...

seen a lot of pickle recipes lately and this one looks like a good one to start with. even if I don't know a kirby from a persian! cheers!

Faith said...

Garlic dill pickles are my favorite type of pickle! I could eat them on pretty much any type of sandwich or even straight from the jar. I am putting this recipe on my list to make!

FOODESSA said...

Mary...there was a period of time in my life where I craved pickles on a daily basis...and no...there was no bun in my oven. LOL. That, thankfully was a short term phase. Since then...I wasn't really attracted to them. Now I see these vivaciously colorful and fresh looking cucumber slices in your jar...they do look very appetizing indeed. If ever I'm in the mood again for pickles...this recipe is a keeper ;o)

Ciao for now and have yourself a great day,
Claudia

From the Kitchen said...

Aside from the fact that I'd enjoy seeing these displayed every time I opened the refrigerator door, they look and sound delicious. The kirby cucumbers are plentiful in our farmers' market now. Our older son is arriving for a week's visit (hoorah!). The time is right to prepare these pickles for my pickle-loving family.

Best,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

What a beautiful photograph! Thanks for this recipe, it does sound like a good one for one of my favorites. Interesting commentary on the way responses change over the years, how true;-)

Allie and Pattie said...

Mary, I have an 11 year old who has 2 kosher dills every night for dessert! We attribute it to the fact that while expecting him I was involved in an accident with a Mt. Olive pickle truck (true story) ! I'll try these for him today :)
xoxo Pattie

Simply Life said...

oh those look like the perfect treat on a summer day!

A SPICY PERSPECTIVE said...

I've got a basket full of garden cucumbers that are just begging for this preservation! They look so fresh and delicious!

Victoria said...

I love pickles but there are long time I've made it! You give me the idea to make pickles again and try your recipe.

Thanks !

Martha said...

Years ago I used to put up things -- including pickles -- but I've gotten lazy and haven't done it in "forever" -- but I may have to try these especially with the glut of cucumbers at the market.

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

These look so inviting, and the jar is just brimming with summer! I tend to forget that refrigerator pickles are really quite easy.

Claudia said...

Really? That easy? May have to give it a go. I wonder what cucumber-type I am growing!

Unknown said...

Oh how I love pickles, but I'm you ten years ago :) Once again, though, you have inspired me to at least think about giving it a shot. I could save some money by making my own and they would be so much more rewarding! These look lovely!

Shug said...

Have never made pickles, but I have a family that loves them...I am going to try your recipe and can't wait for the fam to rave over them. Thanks for sharing!

Blessings on this beautiful Wed. morning.
Shug

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

Great recipe, I will be on the hunt for Kirby Cucumbers now so I can make this!

Rita said...

I have made all kinds of pickles over the years but never made this recipe.. Great photo and I am really tempted to try this.
Rita

Unknown said...

What a coincidence! My hubby just made his own pickles for the first time using wonderful kirby cucumbers from the farmers market. Though they didn't look as pretty as yours, they did taste good!

Angie's Recipes said...

I like to make the refrigerator pickles these days too...they are so fresh and appetizing! They are really great for these hot summer days.

Unknown said...

your posts are always informative..loved the pickle...

pigpigscorner said...

I should start making pickles! They are so versatile!

Carol said...

They look so good! My grandma used to make pickles, I really have to give this a try!

Pam said...

Your pickles look great and I want to try them as it has been a while since I have made them. Have a good day, Mary!

Renée said...

They look so fresh and delicious, and I have all the ingredients. I'm making some today. Thanks so much!

The Blonde Duck said...

I love bread and butter pickles!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Wow Mary, those pickles are gorgeous. I've never made my own. Looks like I'm missing something good.
Sam

Joanne said...

Oh I SO need to make these. Have I mentioned that I am a pickle fiend?

We Are Not Martha said...

I've been wanting to make these forever; I LOVE pickles :) And I always think something like this would make such a nice homemade gift for my dad. Thanks for the recipe :)

Sues

Adelina said...

love your shot (WOW) and pickle recipe- canning is almost like a religion is summer in MOldova, although we are doing the canning with slightly different equipment, jars and lids...This certainly deserves a try- so many aromas would make a great pickle!

MaryMoh said...

Beautiful pickles. I love pickles. We eat so much spicy food that pickles are always most welcoming. It brings down the heat. I love cucumber and pineapple pickles.

Jen_from_NJ said...

I love a good pickle! Thank you for the inspiration to make them at home. I just passed up some perfect cucumbers at a roadside stand and now I am really regretting it! Fabulous photo!

Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

This sounds so great! Love pickles :)

Great blog!

Mary xo
Delightful Bitefuls

Eliana said...

I don't care for pickles myself but am tempted to try one now.

Linda Starr said...

refrigerator dill pickles, now that is right up my alley. I love pickles. I once read they were good for digestion and weight loss, something about the vinegar. I was just at Sam's club and passed up the burpless cucumbers, sad to say.

Katerina said...

I love pickles and use them a lot in salads, sandwiches and sauces. You gave me a great recipe so as to make my own. Thanks Mary!

RV said...

It is so much different from Indian pickles yet they look so tasty.

Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul said...

I feel the same way you did about pickles. I too, like the garlic ones. I will try this! Thanks!

There is nothing better than a GOOD PICKLE!:)

Carmen

Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul said...

Oh, and yes, the photo is fabulous. I want a pickle NOW! :)

Miss Meat and Potatoes said...

That's so funny - I've always loved them. Even the bad ones! That said, dill is my favorite pairing with them so I know I will adore these. Thanks Mary...and Bobby:)

Adventures in Domestic Cooking said...

Looks like the perfect pickles!!

Barbara @ moderncomfortfood said...

Call me a sourpuss, but my favorite flavors are tart: lemons, key limes, cranberries, mangosteen, and (most of all) pickles in all their forms. I eat the latter virtually every day with lunch and can't get enough of them. Your wonderful recipe for proper dills, so reminiscent of ones I used to get as a child and can no longer find, is absolutely on my immediate must-make list. You're such a dear for sharing, Mary!

nanny said...

Sounds like a recipe I use to make...they were wonderful....wish I had a garden.....

Julie M. said...

You are the third person I've seen now who's posted about making their own pickles. I'm going to take it as a sign that I need to get my pickling book out and do this. Yours looks perfect!

Julie said...

Yum...looks so easy! We're starting to get some cucumbers, so definitely bookmarking this one!

Kerstin said...

My hubby loves pickles and would go crazy over these - I'm saving the recipe!

Melinda said...

Yum! Yum!

Melinda

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I love all of your recipes. But honestly, Mary, my favorite part of your blog is your comments introducing each recipe. . . you are interesting and funny. A winning combo. And a great recipe to boot. Nice work.

Thanks for stopping by Gg:Notes on the Journey. Always love your comments.

Fondly,
Glenda

Lucie said...

These would make me want to spend my time in front of the refrigerator door! Yum!

Deb in Hawaii said...

Fun! I love quick pickles and these look really tasty.
;-)

nancy at good food matters said...

It took me bout as long to get with the "pickle program" too! I will have to try this refrigerator dill version. I am still a novice canner, so these refrigerator methods really suit. I like the serendipity of our similar posts---mine features zucchini refrigerator pickles!

RamblingTart said...

That is the most beautiful jar of pickles I've ever seen, Mary. Ever. :-) And I know my pickles! While other little kids would sneak cookies and candy, I'd sneak whole jars of pickles. :-)

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I am a lover of pickles!!!!!

PranisKitchen said...

thats a very simple recipe so delicious and nice picture.. what acolor the cucmber has..

Peggy said...

these look and sound fantastic! I've never tried making pickles either, but I end up with 2 or 3 cucumbers every week in our CSA so I better start doing something different with them besides adding them to salads!

Ally said...

I made these with the seedless cucumbers and it was delish! Thanks for posting the recipe!

Mary Bergfeld said...

Mary said...

Anonymous - I can't post your question because of a policy regarding anonymous comments. I can, however,, answer you. 1-1/2 cups = 12 ounces vinegar or one and one-half cups.

Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Cooking Rookie said...

Wonderful recipe and a gorgeous shot!

Ann said...

Sorry for the dumb question, but what are kirby cucumbers? lol

Mary Bergfeld said...

Ann, Kirby cucumbers are smaller and thinner skinned than the cucumbers we use for salad. The usually are 3to 6 inches long and they are readily available at farms tands in the summer. They are sometimes sold as pickling cucumbers. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Ann said...

Mary, thank you!! Guess I'll have to wait until summer to make these. :)

fadingstarlight said...

these look great since I cannot find garlic dill pickles here in Spain.. they seem to have alot of different types of pickles but that combination isn't here... will white wine vinegar work the same as white vinegar??

fadingstarlight said...

Is it ok to use white wine vinegar instead of regular white vinegar? I live in Spain and white vinegar doesn't exist here. there are tons of different flavors here but plain.

Unknown said...

I love beer battered pickles and see these making it on the plate beside my battered fish.

Jessica | Cajunlicious said...

Mary, these sound delicious and I love how easy they are!

Rosa Marie said...

I love the look of these pickles! My husband and I LOVE pickles of any kind. But I have a question......... WHY can`t we just seal and can them like other pickles ? Surly they will last more than 2 weeks right? I am going to have to try them, I just hate that they only last 2 weeks.

Thanks,

Rosa Marie

Mary Bergfeld said...

Rosemarie, if you were to can these using a standard hot water bath, they would lose both color and crispness. Sorry. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

elisamaza76 said...

Hi! I've never tried pickling before, but this recipe looks delicious, and easy enough to give it a shot. I have what may be a newbie question: do I have to slice them, or will this recipe work for making whole pickles?

Alef Bet Jewelry said...

We usually whole kosher dill pickles with a family recipe for years, but these look fantastic and easy! Going to try asap!

Unknown said...

These look so yummy! I love all things pickle-y :P

Anonymous said...

These look really good. I think I'll try them tomorrow. Question about the yield though. Does it really make only one quart? (I noticed there are 3 1/2 cups of liquid, plus the cucumbers.)

Refrigerator said...

I love this cucumber pickles, looking so yummy. I will try this recipe for making pickles.

Anonymous said...

Just made these pickles yesterday and they are fantastic... so fresh and crisp. The only thing I would do differently would be to not chop the dill, but rather, just add a few sprigs to the brine. Very easy recipe!

Jackie Rybeck said...

Do I have to cover them with wrap? What has happened if you just put them in the jar and in the frig..thanks

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this. I have made it probably ten times. So good! Sometimes I even pour in some juice from the jar of chopped garlic...mmmmm

Billy said...

Pickling is so fun! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Can't wait to try this at home!

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