Sweet Heat Pickles are a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. They offer a delicious twist on classic pickles, making them a perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, or just as a tasty snack. This recipe features a balanced brine with the perfect blend of sugar, vinegar, and spices, including a touch of heat from chili flakes. Here’s how to make your own Sweet Heat Pickles at home.
Ingredients:
For the Pickles:
- 6-8 small to medium-sized cucumbers, preferably pickling cucumbers
- 4 cups (960 ml) water
- 2 cups (480 ml) white vinegar
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 g) kosher salt (or pickling salt)
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) black peppercorns
- 2-3 fresh dill heads (or 2 tablespoons dried dill seeds)
- 4-6 cloves garlic, peeled and slightly crushed
- 2-4 small dried red chili peppers (or 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes)
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2-3 bay leaves