Why Make This Recipe
Canned Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Onions are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. These pickles are perfect to accompany sandwiches, burgers, or even as a tasty snack. Making your own pickles allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to fit your taste.
How to Make Canned Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Onions
Ingredients:
- 8 large cucumbers (about 6-7 pounds, thinly sliced)
- 6 medium onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup of pickling salt
- 2 1/2 cups of white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of celery seed
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of four spices (often called "mixed spices" or "quatre épices")
- 3 cups of sugar
Directions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing the cucumbers and onions. Slice the cucumbers and onions thinly. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with pickling salt. Let them sit for about 3 hours to draw out excess moisture, stirring occasionally.
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Make the Brine: In a large pot, combine the white vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard seeds, whole cloves, and four spices. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
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Rinse and Drain: After the vegetables have soaked, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt. Drain well.
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Cook with Brine: Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the pot with the brine. Bring this mixture back to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes.
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Jar and Seal: Using a slotted spoon, pack the hot cucumber and onion mixture into sterilized jars. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars with lids.
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Water Bath Canning: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
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Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel or rack. Once cooled, check to see if the lids have sealed properly. Store the pickles in a cool, dark place.
How to Serve Canned Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Onions
Canned Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Onions can be served in many ways. Use them as a crunchy topping on burgers or sandwiches. They also work well on charcuterie boards or as a side dish at barbecues. Enjoy them straight from the jar for a sweet treat!
How to Store Canned Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Onions
Store the pickles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator. Use the pickles within a few weeks for the best flavor and texture. Unopened jars can last for up to a year when stored properly.
Tips to Make Canned Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Onions
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best results.
- Adjust the sugar and spices based on your personal taste preference.
- Make sure all jars and lids are properly sterilized to avoid spoilage.
- Use a canning funnel to avoid spilling the brine when filling jars.
Variation
You can add different spices to suit your taste, such as dill or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Experiment with different types of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. How long do the pickles last?
Unopened jars can last for up to a year. Once opened, keep them in the fridge and use within a few weeks.
2. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly.
3. What if my jars don’t seal?
If a jar does not seal properly, you can refrigerate it and use the pickles within a few weeks. You can also try reprocessing it once more.
