Classic Pickle Brine

⏱ Prep: 5 minutes
⏱ Cook: 5 minutes
🍽 Makes: Enough for 4–6 cups of vegetables

🛒 Ingredients

Brine Base

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar (5% acidity)

• 1 tbsp kosher salt (or pickling salt)

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for lightly sweet pickles)

Flavorings & Spices (adjust to taste)

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 1 tsp coriander seeds (optional)

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• 1–2 sprigs fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill

• 1 small bay leaf

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Brine

1. In a small saucepan, combine water, vinegar, salt, and sugar.

2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar are fully dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and let the brine cool slightly (or leave warm if doing quick pickles).

2️⃣ Pack the Jars

1. Place your clean vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, green beans, etc.) into sterilized jars.

2. Add garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf evenly among the jars.

3️⃣ Add the Brine

• Pour the warm or cooled brine over the vegetables until fully submerged.

• Leave about ½ inch headspace at the top of each jar.

4️⃣ Seal & Pickle

• For quick refrigerator pickles: Cover jars with lids and refrigerate. Pickles are ready in 24–48 hours and last up to 4–6 weeks in the fridge.

• For long-term shelf-stable pickles: Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10–15 minutes.

🔥 Tips

• Use fresh, firm vegetables for best texture.

• Adjust salt, sugar, or spices according to taste preferences.

• For crunchier pickles, soak cucumbers in ice water 1–2 hours before pickling.

• Add other flavorings like ginger slices, chili, or fennel seeds for variety.

🥗 Optional Variations

• Spicy Pickle Brine: Add 1–2 sliced jalapeños or 1 tsp crushed red pepper.

• Sweet Pickle Brine: Increase sugar to ¼ cup for a sweeter flavor.

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for aromatic pickles.

• Bread & Butter Style: Include sliced onions, extra sugar, and a pinch of turmeric.