LACTO FERMENTED PICKLES WITH GARLIC DILL BRINE
Lacto Fermented Pickles With Garlic Dill Brine are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy cucumbers while reaping the benefits of natural probiotics. This Lacto-Fermented Pickle uses a simple brine of water and sea salt combined with garlic and dill for flavour. These pickles undergo fermentation to create a tangy and crunchy snack. Perfect for adding to sandwiches and salads or enjoyed on their own, the lacto-fermentation process preserves the cucumbers while enhancing their flavour and nutritional content. This recipe is quick to prepare and with just a little patience, you’ll have homemade pickles that support gut health and add a zesty crunch to your meals.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Side, Appetisers
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American, Eastern European, Mediterranean, North African
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
5 Ingredients or Less, Prepared in Advance, Marinate, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Picnic, Summer, Fall, Spring, Family Reunion, Party, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Low Sodium, Kosher, Wheat / Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Condiment/ Spread
INGREDIENTS
The following ingredients are required for the preparation of Lacto Fermented Pickles With Garlic Dill Brine:
- 80 grams | 2.82 ounces | 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 100 millilitres | 3.38 fluid ounces | 0.42 cups water
- 5 grams | 0.02 ounces | ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 grams | 0.11 ounces | 1 garlic clove
- 2 grams | 0.07 ounces | 1 sprig fresh dill
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 17 kilocalories
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Carbohydrate: 3.4 grams
- Sugar: 1.2 grams
- Fibre: 1.0 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Sodium: 222 milligrams
- Calcium: 18 milligrams
- Iron: 0.3 milligrams
- Potassium: 117 milligrams
PREPARATION
Follow these steps to make Lacto Fermented Pickles With Garlic Dill Brine:
- Prepare The Brine: Dissolve the ¼ teaspoon of sea salt in 100 millilitres of water to create your brine. Stir until the salt is fully dissolved to ensure a balanced fermentation.
- Pack The Jar: Place the sliced cucumber, garlic clove and sprig of dill in a clean jar. The garlic and dill will infuse the cucumbers with extra flavour during fermentation.
- Add The Brine: Pour the brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged under the liquid. This is essential for proper fermentation and to prevent spoilage.
- Ferment The Pickles: Cover the jar with a breathable lid or a clean cloth and leave it at room temperature for 3 to 5 days, depending on your desired level of sourness. Taste test every few days to monitor the flavour. The longer they ferment, the more tangy they become.
- Refrigerate: Once the pickles have reached your desired flavour, transfer the jar to the fridge to slow down the fermentation process. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the crispness.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
No cooking required
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for the preparation of Lacto Fermented Pickles With Garlic Dill Brine:
- Crisp Cucumbers: Use freshly picked cucumbers for the best crunch. If you’re using store-bought cucumbers, you can soak them in ice water for 30 minutes before pickling to help retain their crisp texture during fermentation.
- Salt-To-Water Ratio: Ensure that the salt is fully dissolved in the water before adding it to the jar. A proper salt-to-water ratio is crucial to prevent spoilage during the fermentation process.
- Temperature Control: The ideal room temperature for fermenting pickles is between 18 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. If your kitchen is too warm, shorten the fermentation time to avoid over-souring the pickles.
- Customisation: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Add mustard seeds, peppercorns or bay leaves to create unique flavour profiles for your pickles.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Pickles: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the jar for a spicy kick.
- Herb Pickles: Substitute the dill with other herbs such as thyme, rosemary or tarragon for different flavour combinations.
- Pickled Vegetables: Try this recipe with carrots, radishes or bell peppers for a crunchy, fermented veggie mix.
- Sweet And Tangy: Add ¼ teaspoon of sugar to the brine for a slightly sweeter pickle.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- In The Refrigerator: Once fermented, store the pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The pickles will continue to ferment slowly, but will remain safe to eat.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for fermented pickles because it can affect their texture. However, the brine can be used in other fermented recipes or as a base for salad dressings or sauces.