Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
130 | 0.3g | 0g | 30g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
20g | 4g | 1.5g | 0.01g |
An energetic morning in my kitchen, the sizzling sound of my grandmother’s iron skillet being livened up with the enticing aroma of cooked food is something I relish every single day. I reached for the familiar jar containing our favorite recipe, an absolute delight called Dill Vinegar. I am enamored with this recipe not just for its delightful aroma and impeccable flavor, but for the interesting fusion it represents between my New England roots and Laura’s fondness for farm-fresh produce.
A Heavenly Blend of Flavors
What absolutely amuses me about Dill Vinegar is the sensational blend of flavors that each ingredient brings to the table, literally! Taking a cue from the New England tradition of using fresh and local produce, we invited the humble cucumber to join this exciting soirée associated with fresh berries and apples. Unifying it all together is the essence of chilled white wine vinegar and the mightiness of black peppercorns, the unsung heroes of spice. So whether you’re hosting a summer garden party or preparing a side for your regular dinner, this vibrant and zesty recipe is something you can bank upon.
An Ancestral Touch
There’s something truly magical about recipes passed down through generations. The rush of nostalgia it brings echoing with the stories it carries along is something only a hand-me-down recipe can offer. The idea of Dill Vinegar comes from this very ancestral lineage of cherished recipes. It’s not just about the familiar taste it brings, but about the emotions and memories it invokes every single time.
Power-packed Health Benefits
Amidst the tantalizing flavors and inviting aroma, Dill Vinegar also shines in the health spectrum. It’s packed with antioxidants from the berries, fiber from the apples, and hydration from cucumbers, making it a delicious detoxifying agent. Moreover, dill, a distinctive ingredient in this recipe, is known for its various medicinal properties. In fact, several studies (source) suggest that dill can significantly contribute to reducing inflammation and maintaining good heart health.
Complementary Charms
This recipe bears a remarkable similarity to the classic pickled cucumbers in dill and aquavit, a delight of Scandinavian cuisine. The unique blending of flavors and crunchy texture makes Dill Vinegar a perfect companion to your fish recipes or a refreshing additive to your salads. Try it with roasted salmon glazed with brown sugar and mustard or team it up with goat cheese for a winning combination.
Every scoop of Dill Vinegar carries along an affectionate pat on my back from my grandmother in a Boston kitchen, a cheerful nod from Laura from our farm-fresh produce garden and a joyous giggle from our baby boy, who’s just starting to explore flavors. It’s this wholesome mix of memories, affection, and love that makes Dill Vinegar not just a recipe, but a cherished part of my daily life.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 cucumber
- 1 green apple
- 1 red apple
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Salt, to taste
Method
Step One
Start by combining 1 1/2 cups of white wine vinegar and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat while continually stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Two
Wash and chop 1/2 cup of fresh dill and peel 2 cloves of garlic. Add both of these ingredients to your saucepan together with 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns. Lower the heat and let it simmer.
Step Three
In the meantime, wash and chop up 1 cucumber, 1 green apple, 1 red apple, and 1 cup of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries). Put these chopped ingredients into a large glass jar.
Step Four
Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the chopped fruits and vegetables in the glass jar. Make sure that all the ingredients are well submerged in the liquid.
Step Five
Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar and refrigerate it. Allow the flavors to infuse for 2-3 days before using the dill vinegar.
Step Six
Before using, add salt to taste. Your homemade Dill Vinegar is now ready to use, enjoy it as a refreshing dressing for your salads or a flavorful addition to your dishes.