Cavey’s Spicy Dill Pickles

Everybody in the Cavehold loves a good pickle. Problem is, most store bought jarred pickles aren’t that good, and making trips to the local deli several times a week can get a bit cost prohibitive. So, we went to work and came up with this easy recipe that many are describing as the best pickle they’ve ever eaten. Give ’em a try, and let us know your thoughts.

INGREDIENTS

4 Large Cucumbers
4 Serrano or Jalapeño Peppers
4 Garlic Cloves
1 Ounce Fresh Dill
4 Cups White Vinegar*
4 Cups Water
2 Tbsp. Pickling Spice
1/4 Cup Pickling or Kosher Salt
4 24-Ounce Canning Jars

Optional:
1/4 White or Sweet Onion – Sliced
1/2 Red Bell Pepper – Sliced
1 Large Carrot – Sliced

*UPDATE: Recently, we have altered the recipe slightly by substituting 1.5 cups of Apple Cider Vinegar in place of 1.5 of the cups of White Vinegar. It has taken these amazing pickles to another level. Give it a go!

RECIPE

First, sterilize your canning jars and lids. A run through the dishwasher, with the “Hot Water Heat” and “Hot Air Drying” settings turned on, will do the trick.
HINT: You can use traditional canning jars and lids. Or, as we do in the Cavehold, save the jars and lids from store bought pickles, olives, relish, etc.
Place vinegar, water, salt, and pickling spice into a medium-large pot and bring to a soft boil for 10-15 minutes.

While liquid is heating, rinse cucumbers well in cold water and slice each cucumber in half, crosswise. Then, again in half, lengthwise. From each remaining section, slice into three equal sized spears, lengthwise. You should get 12 spears per cucumber.

Slice hot peppers and garlic cloves in half. Cut any of the optional vegetables into 2 inch slices.
NOTE: While the “optional” ingredients aren’t required, the more you put in the more the flavor complexity of the pickles increases.
HINT: If you don’t want your pickles to have an edge, don’t add the Serrano or Jalapeño peppers. Though, you really should try them in at least one jar … they don’t add that much heat, but do add a ton of flavor.

Now, place 1/4 of the fresh dill into each jar. Follow that with 12 cucumber spears, 2 slices of the hot peppers, 2 slices of the garlic, and a 1/4 of the optional ingredients into each jar.

Once the brining liquid has fully cooked, place a jar into the sink. Using an oven mitt, remove the boiling liquid from the flame, and completely fill the jar with the liquid, being sure that 1/4 of the pickling spices also make it in.

Return the pot to the flame and, with oven mitts on, carefully place the lid on the jar and tighten firmly as possible. Repeat this process with each jar, being sure to return the pot to the fire (mmmmmmmmm …. fire gooooood!) between each pour. Place finished jars onto the counter and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.

Once cooled to the touch, place the jars into the refrigerator and forget about them for two weeks. It will be tempting to pop open a jar and give ’em a go once they’ve chilled. But, they need the time to “pickle”, of course! They’ll last up to 4 months in the fridge. DO NOT store them in the pantry …. you gotta keep ’em cold. Enjoy!
HINT: The other veggies (except for the dill) are now pickled, and delicious, as well. Yes, even the garlic!

Prep Time = 40 minutes
Curing Time = 2 Weeks
Makes 4 Jars

©2014 Caution: Caveman Cooking/UHearMe, Inc. All rights reserved. This recipe originally appeared on the Caution: Caveman Cooking blog at http://cavemancooking.net authored by Caveman. This recipe may be shared and reprinted as long as this entire copyright message accompanies it.