Pickling vegetables doesn't have to be an all-day affair. Try this refrigerator method, and you'll be enjoying the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor within hours!
Servings: Makes 1 quart pickled vegetables
Ingredients
  • 2 cups white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons plain (non-iodized) or pickling salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 8 cloves garlic , crushed under a knife and peeled
  • 1/4 cup (packed) sprigs of fresh dill
  • 2 cucumbers , scrubbed but not peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds or sliced into spears
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 cup celery , sliced into sticks
    • Directions
    Bring the vinegar, salt, coriander and peppercorns to a full boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Cool completely.

    Sterilize a 1-quart glass canning jar by immersing it in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or by running it through a full cycle of the dishwasher. The jar should be hot when adding the vegetables.

    Layer the cucumbers, baby carrots, celery, garlic and dill in the hot jar. Pour in enough of the vinegar to cover them completely. Screw on the lid. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours before serving. (The pickles can be stored, covered and refrigerated, for up to one month.)
    From the Spring 2004 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

    NEXT STORY

    Next Story