Quick Red Pickle Recipe
These are the perfect, almost instant pickles, ready in half an hour!
Tangy, slightly sweet, with a distinctive bright red colour. They can be used as a condiment or garnish for a wide range of dishes, such as sandwiches, tacos, salads, or grilled meats. They also add a colourful and flavourful element to cheese boards and charcuterie platters.
VINEGARS
There are many types of vinegar that can be used for pickling, and the choice largely depends on personal preference and the type of pickled food being prepared. Here are some of the most commonly used vinegars for pickling:
- White vinegar: This is a clear, colourless vinegar that is made from distilled grain alcohol. It has a sharp, acidic flavour and is a popular choice for pickling vegetables.
- Apple cider vinegar: Made from fermented apple cider, this vinegar has a slightly sweet and fruity flavour that can add depth to pickled fruits and vegetables.
- Rice vinegar: This vinegar is made from fermented rice and has a milder flavour than other types of vinegar. It is commonly used in pickling Asian-style vegetables.
- Red wine vinegar: This vinegar is made from red wine that has been allowed to ferment. It has a tangy flavour and is a good choice for pickling onions, garlic, and other strong-flavoured vegetables.
- Balsamic vinegar: This is a dark, syrupy vinegar that is made from grape must (juice that includes the skin, seeds, and stems of the grape) that has been aged in barrels. It has a sweet, complex flavour and is often used for pickling fruits and vegetables.
Ultimately, the choice of vinegar will depend on the flavour profile you want to achieve in your pickled food, and cost!
ADDING OTHER FLAVOURS TO YOUR RECIPE
There are many spices and herbs that can be added to an onion pickling solution to enhance the flavour and create a unique taste. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Black peppercorns: These add a spicy, pungent flavour to the pickling solution.
- Mustard seeds: These add a slightly bitter, nutty flavour and can help to thicken the pickling liquid.
- Bay leaves: These add a subtle, aromatic flavour to the pickling solution.
- Cinnamon sticks: These add a sweet, warm flavour to the pickling liquid.
- Allspice berries: These add a complex, spicy flavour that is reminiscent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cloves: These add a warm, sweet flavour to the pickling solution.
- Coriander seeds: These add a slightly citrusy, nutty flavour to the pickling liquid.
- Ginger: This adds a spicy, pungent flavour and can also help to preserve the onions.
- Chilli Flakes: These add a nice hit of heat!
These are just a few examples of the many spices and herbs that can be used to flavour onion pickling solutions. The specific combination of spices will depend on personal preference and the desired flavour profile.
Some of these will be very hard, (ie peppercorns) and should not be served.
STORAGE
These Quick Red Pickles will last a few weeks in the fridge but are best eaten with the week – best crispness and flavour!
Quick Red Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 red onion peeled
- 1 tsp sugar/honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic peeled and bashed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vinegar (I like to use half rice rice wine vinegar/half apple cider)
- 1/4 tsp` chilli flakes optional
- 4 coriander seeds
- 4 black pepper corns
Instructions
- Boil water in the Thermomix using the kettle function.
- Chop onion in half and the then chop each half in half again. Finely slice and place in a bowl.
- Pour boiled water over the onions and let sit for 1 minute and then strain.
- In a jar, add the remaining ingredients and gently shake to combine. Add the onions and mix to combine and cover with the vinegar mix. Taste the vinegar to balance sweetness and acidity, (it will mallow after resting). Place in the Refrigerator.
- Ready to eat in 30 mins but best served after a few hours, even better the following day!