Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickle Recipe
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickle Recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal or snack. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also a great way to enjoy a low-calorie, high-fiber treat. Pickles are naturally low in calories and can be a crunchy, satisfying option when you’re craving something salty. Moreover, they allow you to indulge your taste buds while keeping your health goals in check. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe is quick and simple to make, ensuring that you will always have a healthy, spicy snack on hand.
How to Make Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
Making your own delicious spicy garlic dill pickles is easier than you think, and perfect for someone looking to include healthier snacks in their diet. You’ll find that homemade pickles are not only tastier than store-bought versions, but they also let you control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your liking.
Equipment Needed
To prepare your spicy garlic dill pickles, you will need the following equipment:
- Large bowl
- Saucepan
- Sterilized jars with lids
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced into spears
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons pickling salt
- 2 tablespoons dried dill weed
- 4 Thai red peppers or other spicy chili such as habanero
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Step-By-Step Instructions
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Prepare Your Cucumbers: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the pickling salt. Let them sit for 1 hour. This process helps to draw out excess moisture and ensures that your pickles have a great crunch.
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Rinse and Drain: After an hour, rinse the cucumbers well to remove the excess salt and then drain them.
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Prepare the Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, and the remaining pickling salt. Bring the mixture to a boil and ensure the salt dissolves completely.
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Layer the Jars: In sterilized jars, layer the cucumbers, adding the dried dill weed, smashed garlic cloves, and Thai red peppers as you go.
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Add the Brine: Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
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Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with their lids. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.
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Refrigerate: Once the jars have cooled, place them in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let the pickles marinate for at least 48 hours before enjoying them.
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How to Serve Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
These spicy garlic dill pickles are versatile and can be served in many ways. You can enjoy them straight from the jar as a snack or as a crunchy side dish. You can also add them to your favorite salads, sandwiches, or burgers for an extra kick of flavor. Serving these pickles can also be a part of a balanced, heart-healthy meal since they are low in calories and provide a satisfying crunch. When portioning them out, consider moderation to avoid consuming too much sodium, especially if you are watching your salt intake.
Storage & Freezing: Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
Your homemade spicy garlic dill pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Just ensure they are always submerged in brine to maintain their crunch. Freezing pickles is not recommended as it alters their texture and flavor. However, keeping them in the fridge allows you to enjoy this zesty, healthy snack whenever you crave it!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these crunchy pickles with a protein-rich dish, such as grilled chicken or tofu skewers, for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, consider serving them alongside a healthy quinoa salad or a refreshing green salad with light dressing to create a balanced, heart-healthy meal.
Variations
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Healthier Version: Swap traditional white vinegar with a lower-sodium option if you’re trying to cut back on salt. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the brine, using natural alternatives like stevia for a low-calorie variant.
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High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: Serve your pickles with high-protein options like hard-boiled eggs or an assortment of nuts to create a nutritious, low-carb snack plate that’s perfect for weight loss.
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Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Version: Create crispy air-fried pickles by dipping pickle spears in a light batter made from almond flour and spices, then air fry until golden. This offers a crunchy, healthy snack without added oils, keeping your dish gluten-free and low-carb.
FAQs
1. Can I make these pickles diabetic-friendly?
Yes! These spicy garlic dill pickles are naturally low in calories and sugars, making them a suitable option for those looking to manage their carbohydrate intake. Just be mindful of your salt consumption if you have hypertension.
2. How long do homemade pickles last?
Homemade spicy garlic dill pickles can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Just make sure they stay submerged in the brine.
3. Are these pickles low in calories?
Absolutely! These pickles are a fantastic low-calorie snack, with just a few calories per serving. They are perfect for weight loss and meal prep!
4. Can I use other vegetables for pickling?
Yes! You can experiment by pickling other veggies such as carrots, radishes, or even green beans for a variety of flavors and textures.
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Make-Ahead Tips for Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Spend a weekend afternoon making large batches of spicy garlic dill pickles, and keep them in your refrigerator for weeks of healthy snacking. They not only make for a great healthy snack but also enhance meals with added flavor and crunch. You will find that having a stash of homemade pickles on hand saves time during meal prep while encouraging you to reach for a lighter option.
Now that you have this simple and delicious recipe for Killer Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles, enjoy crafting your own flavorful, healthy snacks that fit perfectly into your lifestyle. These pickles can be a fun, engaging cooking project for the whole family, encouraging everyone to eat healthier while enjoying bold flavors!
PrintKiller Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
A flavorful and healthy snack, these homemade spicy garlic dill pickles are perfect for meal prep and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced into spears
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons pickling salt
- 2 tablespoons dried dill weed
- 4 Thai red peppers or other spicy chili such as habanero
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with the pickling salt. Let them sit for 1 hour.
- Rinse the cucumbers well to remove the excess salt and then drain them.
- In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, and the remaining pickling salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- In sterilized jars, layer the cucumbers, adding the dried dill weed, smashed garlic cloves, and Thai red peppers as you go.
- Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged, with about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with their lids. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.
- Once the jars have cooled, place them in the refrigerator. For best flavor, let the pickles marinate for at least 48 hours before enjoying.
Notes
These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Always keep them submerged in brine to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pickles, spicy pickles, garlic dill pickles, healthy snacks