| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 100 | 1g | 0g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 1g | 0.98g |
There’s something wonderfully enrapturing about the Caribbean Style Pickled West Indian Gherkins that captures my heart and palette every time. As a Texas girl who loves fusing vibrant Tex-Mex flavors into traditional Southern recipes, this particular recipe is something that veers off the beaten path, and is the type of the food experience that I love to explore and share.
The Heart of the Dish
What’s not to love about this fantastic pickled vegetable medley? Its flavor profile is robust, spicy, tangy, and subtly sweet, an artful combination that strikes just the right balance. And the star of the show? The West Indian Gherkins. This particular breed of cucumber, smaller and slightly more flavorful, offers a delightful crunch and acts as the perfect canvas for the bold flavors of the Scotch bonnet pepper and pickling spices. The result is a vegetable pickling par excellence, an interesting take on the classic pickled cucumbers, that I absolutely adore.
Harmony of Flavors and Health
Not only are these Caribbean Style Pickled West Indian Gherkins a dance of flavors, but they also have some interesting health benefits. For instance, the cucumbers are rich in vital vitamins and minerals and offer plenty of hydration thanks to their high water content. Then there’s garlic with its numerous health properties, and turmeric, boasting antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. Even the dill has a few health tricks up its sleeve, offering a good dose of vitamin C. So, with every bite, you’re not only indulging your taste buds but also nourishing your body.
This pickled delight works well as an accompaniment to a range of dishes due to its intense flavor and crunch. Pair it with a juicy Jamaican jerk burger or use it as a topping for your fish tacos, it surely adds character to every dish it graces.
So, next time you’re in the mood to step outside your comfort zone and try something different, reach for the unique taste of these Caribbean Style Pickled West Indian Gherkins. Trust me, it’s worth it.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs. West Indian gherkins
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons pickling salt
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon pickling spices
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- Fresh dill sprigs
Method
Step One
Start by washing the West Indian gherkins thoroughly and then prick them with a fork. This will allow the pickling brine to penetrate the skin and add more flavor.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, pickling salt, minced garlic, finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, diced red onion, whole peppercorns, pickling spices, bay leaves, turmeric powder and mustard seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step Three
Once the mixture has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Step Four
Add the gherkins to the saucepan and continue to let it simmer for another 10 minutes. After this time, use a slotted spoon to remove the gherkins and transfer them to a sterilized glass jar.
Step Five
Using a ladle, pour the hot pickling liquid over the gherkins in the jar until they are covered. Leave about 1/2 an inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
Step Six
Add a few sprigs of fresh dill to each jar. Place the lid on tightly and tip the jar upside down to seal it. Let the jars cool to room temperature and then refrigerate them for at least 24 hours before eating the pickles. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they will become.
