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Zesty Bread and Butter Zucchini Pickles

bread and butter zucchini pickles - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crunchy, tangy bread and butter pickles made with zucchini, perfect for summer preserving and adding zest to meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • About 3 cups sliced medium zucchini (firm, fresh)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt (pickling or kosher salt, no iodized)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the zucchini into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or half-moons and thinly slice the onion.
  2. Place zucchini and onions in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon salt, toss well, and let sit for 1 hour to draw out moisture.
  3. Drain the liquid through a colander and rinse the vegetables under cold water to remove excess salt. Let drain for 10 minutes.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (about 5-7 minutes).
  5. Pour the hot brine over the drained zucchini and onions in the mixing bowl. Stir gently to coat all pieces and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
  6. Transfer the zucchini and brine into clean glass jars, packing tightly but gently. Seal with lids.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating; flavor improves after 3 days. Pickles keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Do not skip the salting step to maintain crunch. Use white vinegar for classic tang or substitute apple cider vinegar for fruitier flavor. Adjust sugar to taste but reducing too much affects preservation and flavor. Cool brine before sealing jars to avoid condensation. Red pepper flakes add heat; adjust as desired. For longer storage, process jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes, though refrigerator storage is preferred for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini pickles, bread and butter pickles, summer pickles, crunchy pickles, quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, easy pickles

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/zesty-bread-and-butter-zucchini-pickles-easy-crunchy-recipe-for-summer/