Crispy Cucumbers with Mustard
Description
Perfect for winter preserves. To keep the cucumbers crisp, add horseradish, oak, or cherry leaves. Mustard seeds should be dry, not damp. The smaller the cucumbers, the less time they need in the first boiling-water pour. If you are using a 3-liter jar, pour boiling water over the cucumbers twice, and on the third pour, seal the jars. Ingredient amounts are for 2 containers of 500 ml each.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the specified ingredients. Purchase small firm cucumbers, making sure the fruit has no dark spots or bruises.
- 2
Step 2
Pour them into a bowl, basin, or pot and cover with cold water. Rinse each cucumber thoroughly, scrubbing off dust and dirt. You don't need to trim the stems—they will marinate nicely as they are.
- 3
Step 3
Pack them to the top in the jars, keeping in mind that after pouring boiling water over them, the contents will settle slightly. So pack them in more tightly.
- 4
Step 4
Pour boiling water into the containers and let stand for 10–15 minutes. Fill to the top so that all the cucumbers are submerged in the liquid.
- 5
Step 5
Immediately seal the jars with lids, or cover them if they are not screw-top. The fruit should steam through on the inside as well.
- 6
Step 6
Pour the salt and mustard seeds into a saucepan or cauldron. Peel the garlic cloves and add them as well.
- 7
Step 7
Drain the boiling water from the jars of cucumbers into a cauldron or bucket and place it on the stove. Bring the brine to a boil and turn off the heat. Carefully add the vinegar, as a lot of foam may form that could spill over the edges.
- 8
Step 8
Rinse the cherry or oak leaves, place them in the jars between the cucumbers, and fill to the top with the prepared hot marinade.
- 9
Step 9
Immediately screw on the lids by hand or with a jar wrench. Do not flip screw-top jars upside down, or you may burn your hands. Let the preserves cool at room temperature for about 2–3 hours, then move them to the pantry.
- 10
Step 10
In winter, take out a tempting jar of pickled gherkins and add them to your lunch table or serve them at dinner. Enjoy your meal!