Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions & Cucumbers
Pickling is a fantastic way to preserve the vibrant flavors of summer and enjoy them throughout the year. One of the best combinations to pickle is cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers. This mix not only looks beautiful in jars but also adds a delightful tangy crunch to any meal.
Why Pickle?
Pickling is an age-old method of preserving food. It enhances the flavors and extends the shelf life of fresh produce. Pickled vegetables are versatile; you can add them to salads, sandwiches, or even enjoy them straight from the jar.
The Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems are perfect for pickling. They hold their shape well and burst with flavor.
- Red Onions: Adding red onions gives a nice sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are a classic pickling vegetable.
The Process
The process of making pickled cherry tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers is straightforward. You’ll need to prepare your vegetables, make a pickling brine, and then combine everything in sterilized jars. The key is to ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized to avoid any contamination.
Tips for Perfect Pickling
- Use Fresh Produce: The fresher your vegetables, the better your produce will taste.
- Sterilize Jars Properly: This step is crucial for food safety.
- Balance the Brine: A good brine is a balance of vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Feel free to experiment with spices like dill, mustard seeds, or garlic to add extra flavor.
- Patience is Key: Let your pickles sit for at least a week before opening. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Enjoying Your Pickling
Once your items are ready, the possibilities are endless. They make a great addition to charcuterie boards, burgers, or even as a snack on their own. The tangy, crunchy texture is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Pickling is not only a practical way to preserve your garden’s bounty but also a fun and rewarding kitchen project. Give it a try, and enjoy the delicious results!
Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions & Cucumbers
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion and cucumber.
- Make the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Pour the pickling liquid over the vegetables: Place the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber in a jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, making sure they are completely covered.
- Add the dill: Stir in the chopped fresh dill.
- Seal and refrigerate: Seal the jar or container tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 weeks. The pickled vegetables will become more flavorful the longer they are refrigerated.
- Serve: Serve the Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, and Cucumbers as a condiment or appetizer. Enjoy!
