DIY ESSENTIALS: ADDICTIVE LEMON/DILL PICKLES

DIY Essentials: Addictive Lemon/Dill Pickles image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 17

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1 - 2 large english seedless cucumbers
THE SPICES
2 stalk(s) lemongrass, pounded, divided
1 Tbsp salt, kosher variety
1 Tbsp dill seed
1 Tbsp mustard seeds
1 tsp whole caraway seeds
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 large bay leaf, crumbled
2 allspice berries
THE BRINE
1 c apple-cider vinegar
1 c filtered water
OPTIONAL ITEMS
black peppercorns
1 clove garlic, peeled, and whole

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. You will need 1 - 2 quart-sized mason jars for this recipe. You will have enough brine for 2; however, if you choose to only do a single jar, you can store the remaining brine in the fridge, and it will last for 7 - 10 days. If you choose to do 2 jars, you will need an additional stalk of lemongrass for the second jar.
3. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
4. Use a kitchen mallet, or other implement of destruction, to pound out the lemon grass. This will help release their lemon oils.
5. Add the brine ingredients to a saucepan, over medium heat.
6. Add all of the spice ingredients, and only one of the lemongrass stalks.
7. Let the mixture simmer, not boil, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove from the heat, and allow to come to room temperature, about an hour.
9. Meanwhile, cut up the cucumber into wedges, or rounds, your choice, and place them into a mason jar, along with the remaining lemongrass stalk.
10. Chef's Note: Toss in a few peppercorns, and the garlic clove, if using.
11. Strain the cooled brine through a fine-mesh sieve.
12. Pour into the mason jar, and fill almost to the top.
13. Seal and place in the fridge for 24 hours before consuming.
14. PREP/PREPARE
15. Eat by themselves, place on a juicy burger, or any way you desire. Enjoy.
16. Keep the faith, and keep cooking,.