1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Cut Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into sticks or rounds, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the Brine:
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Add Spices: Add the sliced garlic, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, dried dill weed, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat Brine: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Pack the Jar:
- Fill Jars: Place the carrot sticks or rounds into a clean glass jar or container. You can use a pint-sized jar or any container suitable for pickling.
- Add Brine: Pour the warm brine over the carrots, making sure they are fully covered. Leave about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Remove Air Bubbles: Use a clean, non-metallic utensil (like a chopstick) to release any air bubbles and ensure the carrots are completely submerged.
4. Cool and Store:
- Cool: Let the jar cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar with a lid.
- Refrigerate: Place the jar in the refrigerator. The pickled carrots will be ready to eat in as little as 4 hours, but they develop more flavor if left to sit for 24 hours.
Tips for Perfection
- Cut Uniformly: Try to cut the carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even pickling.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices such as coriander seeds, cloves, or bay leaves to customize the flavor.
- Storage: Pickled carrots will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Conclusion
Quick and Easy Pickled Carrots are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the crunchy freshness of carrots with a tangy, flavorful twist. This recipe is perfect for a fast snack, a crunchy addition to salads, or a zesty topping for sandwiches. With minimal preparation time, you can enjoy these pickles in just a few hours.
Enjoy your homemade pickled carrots, and feel free to adjust the recipe to match your taste preferences!