How to Make Perfect Homemade Pickles: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you love the tangy crunch of pickled vegetables, making your own at home is easier than you think! With just a few ingredients and a simple process, you can create delicious homemade pickles that will last for months. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to pickle a variety of vegetables.

Ingredients You'll Need:

6 kg of mixed vegetables: hot Somborka peppers, tomato peppers, pointed peppers, cucumbers, carrots, green tomatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower

1 liter of vinegar

150 g of sugar

200 g of salt

1 grapevine

4 liters of water

A few peppercorns

Sterilized jars or a large barrel (for bulk pickling)

Step 1: Preparing the Brine

Brine is the key to perfect pickles, providing the ideal balance of salt, sugar, and vinegar.

In a large pot, mix 1 liter of vinegar, 150 g of sugar, 200 g of salt, and 1 grapevine.

Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

Add 4 liters of water and mix well. Set aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Jars

To ensure your pickles stay fresh and free from harmful bacteria, proper sterilization is essential.

Wash the jars thoroughly with hot water and soap.

Sterilize them in a preheated oven at 100°C for 20 minutes.

Let the jars cool before filling them with vegetables.

Step 3: Arranging the Vegetables

Wash and chop the vegetables into desired sizes.

Carefully arrange them in the jars, making sure to fill all gaps to minimize the amount of brine needed.

If using a 60-liter barrel, prepare four measures of brine for 45 kg of vegetables.

Step 4: Adding the Brine

Sprinkle a few peppercorns into the jars for extra flavor.

Press the vegetables down with plastic wrap to keep them submerged.

Pour the prepared brine into each jar, ensuring all vegetables are fully covered.

Seal the jars tightly.

Step 5: Storing and Pickling

Store the jars in a dark, cool place.

Allow the vegetables to ferment for at least 30 days before opening.

Enjoy Your Homemade Pickles!

After a month, your pickles will be ready to enjoy! Use them as a side dish, in sandwiches, or as a delicious snack. Homemade pickles are a great way to preserve fresh vegetables while enhancing their flavor. Happy pickling!