Easy Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Prepare a batch in just 20 minutes, plus cooling and chilling time.

• Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables and adjust the spices to suit your taste.

• No Special Equipment Needed: No need for complex canning processes; a simple jar does the trick.

• Healthy Snack Option: Enjoy a low-calorie, flavorful snack packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cauliflower florets

• Sliced carrots

• Sliced cucumbers

• Red bell pepper, sliced into strips

• Green beans, trimmed

• Garlic cloves, minced

• White vinegar

• Water

• Salt

• Sugar

• Mustard seeds

• Black peppercorns

• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Combine cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, red bell pepper, and green beans in a large bowl.

2. Make the Brine: In a saucepan, bring vinegar, water, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.

3. Combine: Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them cool to room temperature.

4. Store: Transfer the vegetables and brine into jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8 servings.

• Total Time: 20 minutes of preparation, plus cooling and at least 24 hours of chilling time.

Variations

• Vinegar Options: Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a sweeter flavor.

• Spice Mix: Add dill, coriander seeds, or a cinnamon stick for different flavor profiles.

• Vegetable Choices: Incorporate onions, radishes, or cherry tomatoes to diversify textures and tastes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the pickled vegetables in airtight glass jars in the refrigerator, ensuring they remain submerged in the brine. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to one month. These pickles are intended to be enjoyed cold and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add onions, radishes, or even cherry tomatoes into the mix.

How long do these pickles last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, these pickles can last up to a month.

Do I need to sterilize the jars?

While sterilization isn't necessary for refrigerator pickles, it's good practice to use clean, hot water-rinsed jars to ensure freshness.

Can I reuse the brine?

It's best to prepare a fresh brine for each batch to maintain optimal flavor and safety.

Why did my pickles turn out soft?

Overcooking the vegetables or not cooling the brine before pouring can lead to softer pickles. Ensure vegetables are crisp and the brine isn't boiling hot when combined.

Can I reduce the sugar or salt?

Adjusting sugar and salt is possible, but it may affect the preservation and flavor balance. Experiment cautiously.

Is it normal for the brine to become cloudy?

A slightly cloudy brine can occur due to natural reactions but should not affect the safety if stored properly.

Can I add fresh herbs?

Yes, adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme can enhance the flavor. Ensure they are submerged in the brine.

Are these pickles probiotic?

No, refrigerator pickles are not fermented and therefore do not contain probiotics.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for the best texture and crunch.

Conclusion

Embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of making your own refrigerator pickled vegetables. This versatile recipe allows you to experiment with flavors and enjoy a healthy, tangy snack anytime. Whether you're new to pickling or a seasoned enthusiast, these quick and easy pickles are sure to become a staple in your refrigerator.

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Easy Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables Recipe

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Learn how to make Easy Refrigerator Pickled Vegetables with this quick and tangy recipe. Perfect for beginners, these homemade pickles are a healthy, customizable snack or side dish. With no special equipment needed, just a simple brine and fresh veggies, you'll enjoy this easy pickling method for crunchy, flavorful pickles in just 20 minutes.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes plus 24 hours chilling time
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Side Dish, Snack
• Method: Refrigerator Pickling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 cup cauliflower florets

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup sliced cucumbers

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 cup green beans, trimmed

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups white vinegar

1 ½ cups water

2 tablespoons salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Vegetables: Combine cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, red bell pepper, and green beans in a large bowl.

• Make the Brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil and stir until salt and sugar dissolve.

• Combine: Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they're fully submerged. Allow the brine and vegetables to cool to room temperature.

• Store: Transfer the vegetables and brine into jars, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.

Notes

• Variations: Use apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste or add dill, coriander seeds, or cinnamon sticks for different flavors.

• Storage: Store pickled vegetables in airtight jars in the fridge for up to a month. Ensure they remain submerged in the brine for maximum freshness.

• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can enhance the flavor if desired.