German-style Mustard Pickles

Ingredients

• 4 medium cucumbers (about 500g) 4 medium cucumbers (about 500g)
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar 1 cup (240ml) white vinegar
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 60 kcal / 251 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 13g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds.
2. 2.
   In a saucepan, combine the mustard seeds, white vinegar, water, honey, salt, turmeric, celery seeds, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Add the cucumber slices to the boiling brine and cook for 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the pickles cool to room temperature.
5. 5.
   Transfer the pickles and brine into sterilized jars, making sure the cucumbers are fully submerged in the liquid.
6. 6.
   Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
7. 7.
   The pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mustard seeds — Toasting the mustard seeds before adding them to the brine will enhance their flavor.
• Celery seeds — Crushing the celery seeds slightly before adding them to the brine will release their aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine.
• Use freshly harvested cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a unique twist.
• Allow the pickles to marinate for a few days before consuming for a more intense flavor.

Serving advice

Serve German-style Mustard Pickles as a side dish with traditional German sausages, pretzels, and hearty rye bread. They also make a great addition to cheese and charcuterie platters.

Presentation advice

Arrange the pickles in a glass jar or a decorative serving dish to showcase their vibrant yellow color. Garnish with a sprig of fresh dill or mustard seeds for an appealing presentation.