Zesty Crunchy Pickled Carrots a Jar of Sunshine
- Recipe Introduction
- Why These Crunchy Pickled Carrots Rock
- What Makes These Pickled Carrots Special
- What You Will Need To Make The Best Pickled Carrots
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Pickled Carrots Recipe
- Cooking Method: Pickling Carrots for a Zesty Kick
- Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Pickled Carrots Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like your snack game needs a serious upgrade? This pickled carrots recipe is the answer. Honestly, these carrots are tangy, crunchy and just a bit sweet.
Brief Overview
Pickled vegetables recipe has been around for ages. It's a fantastic way to preserve veggies. This easy pickled carrots recipe is quick and simple.
It takes about 30 minutes to make plus chilling time. This recipe makes about 4 cups. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Main Benefits
One of the main benefits of this recipe is that is a quick pickled carrots recipe that is good for your gut.
Fermented foods are great for your tummy. These sweet pickled carrots recipe are perfect for BBQs or picnics. What makes this recipe special? It is customisable, the flavours pop and the crunch is unreal!
Why These Crunchy Pickled Carrots Rock
These crunchy pickled carrots recipe are not just any old snack. Trust me, they are addictive. They are so easy to throw together.
I love making a big batch on Sunday. That way, I can snack on them all week.
What Makes These Pickled Carrots Special
So, what sets this homemade pickled carrots apart from the rest? Well, it's the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the carrots plays so nicely with the tanginess of the vinegar.
It's a flavour explosion in your mouth. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy pickled carrots recipe .
What You Will Need To Make The Best Pickled Carrots
You will need carrots of course! Get about 450g of carrots. Next, grab white vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Finally, you need garlic, peppercorns and mustard seeds.
Optional extras include red pepper flakes and fresh dill. Now, let's move on to the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Pickled Carrots Recipe
Let's talk about what you'll need to make this easy pickled carrots recipe . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
Remember, the key to a great recipe is using good quality ingredients. You know?
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need for about 4 cups of crunchy pickled carrots recipe .
- Carrots: 1 pound (450g) . Fresh, firm carrots are a must. Look for ones without soft spots.
- White Vinegar: 1 cup (240ml) . Standard white vinegar, 5% acidity. It gives that classic pickle tang.
- Water: 1 cup (240ml) . Just regular tap water will do.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g) . Adjust to your liking for a sweet pickled carrots flavour.
- Kosher Salt: 1 tablespoon (15g) . It is crucial for preservation.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , smashed. Adds a nice garlicky kick.
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon . Adds a touch of spice.
- Yellow Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon . Essential for that classic pickle flavour.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon . For a spicy pickled carrots recipe , obvs!
- Optional Fresh Dill Sprigs. For an extra layer of herbal flavour
Seasoning Notes
Spices are where you can play around. Don't be afraid to experiment with different blends.
The black peppercorns and mustard seeds are pretty crucial. They deliver that classic pickle flavour. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Seriously tasty!. Feel free to add other spices like coriander seeds or cumin seeds for a unique twist.
For an easy pickled carrots recipe , try adding dill sprigs for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Equipment Needed
Ok, now for the gear. This is super simple, I promise.
- Large Saucepan. To heat the brine.
- Glass Jars with Lids. Sterilized. Clean jars are a must! Boiling them for 10 minutes will do the trick.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. For accurate measurements.
- Knife and Cutting Board. For prepping the carrots.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon. To transfer the carrots to the jars.
Don't have fancy pickling equipment? No worries!. A regular saucepan will work just fine. If you don't have specific measuring spoons, use regular tablespoons and teaspoons it doesn't have to be perfect.
Seriously.
This pickled vegetables recipe is very versatile.
Cooking Method: Pickling Carrots for a Zesty Kick
Alright, let's dive into pickling carrots! Easy Pickled Carrots Recipe ? Absolutely! These homemade pickled carrots are a game changer. This Pickled Vegetables Recipe isn't intimidating, promise!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First, the essential mise en place. This fancy French term just means get everything ready! Peel and slice 1 pound of carrots.
I like mine in matchsticks, but rounds work too. Sterilize your jars. Popping them in boiling water for 10 minutes does the trick.
Time saving tip: Get this done while the kettle is boiling! Safety reminder: Use tongs. Trust me on this, don't want to burn your hands!
step-by-step: Pickled Carrots Recipe
- Combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 smashed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds in a saucepan.
- Bring this brine to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Add those sliced carrots!
- Cook for 2 minutes , blanching them until crisp tender. Not mushy!
- Pack the carrots into your sterilized jars, add fresh dill if you are using.
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the carrots. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
- Tap the jars to release air bubbles.
- Seal the lids and let them cool completely. Then, refrigerate!
Pro Tips: From Good to Great
Don't overcook the carrots! Trust me, mushy carrots are not what we're going for. A common mistake is not waiting long enough.
Give them at least 2 hours , but overnight is even better. Taste the brine. Adjust the sugar or add red pepper flakes for heat! For a Spicy Pickled Carrots Recipe , add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
These Quick pickled carrots can be stored in the fridge for weeks. They are a great option if you are looking for refrigerator pickled carrots .
I once made these for a barbeque, and they vanished. Everyone loved the crunchy pickled carrots recipe ! I've been making them ever since.
Plus, they add a pop of color to any dish. Enjoy your vibrant, tangy carrots!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Pickled Carrots Recipe
Right, let's talk shop about these Easy Pickled Carrots Recipe . Honestly, there's more to it than just chucking some carrots in vinegar! So, let's nail this Pickled Vegetables Recipe .
Here are a few extra bits to think about.
Serving Suggestions: Va-Va-Voom!
Presentation is everything, innit? Pile your Homemade Pickled Carrots high in a pretty bowl. Or, arrange Pickled Carrot Sticks artfully on a cheeseboard.
They are fantastic. For drinks, try a crisp lager or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
These Refrigerator Pickled Carrots are best kept cold. They'll last for about 2 weeks in the fridge. Make sure the jar is sealed.
I haven't tried freezing them (yet!), so I can't recommend it. That's my bad.
Reheating ain't really a thing with these. Just grab some straight from the jar!
Variations: Get Creative!
Fancy a bit of spice? This Spicy Pickled Carrots Recipe is for you! Add some sliced chilies to the brine. And there you have it, easy peasy!.
You can adjust for diets. For a sweeter Sweet Pickled Carrots Recipe , up the sugar a bit. You could also try honey. Play around and have fun with it!
Seasonal ingredient swaps can be great too. I love adding fresh dill in the summer.
Nutrition Basics: Good For You!
These Crunchy Pickled Carrots Recipe are low in calories. They have some good vitamins too. It's a simple snack that's actually good for you. Bonus!
A serving (about 1/2 cup) has roughly 50 calories. There's a little bit of sugar. Don't worry about that.
These Quick Pickled Carrots are a fab way to add flavour to your life. Don't be shy, give it a go!. It's an easy, quick win for your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these pickled carrots last, and how should I store them?
When stored properly in the fridge, your homemade pickled carrots recipe will last for up to 2-3 weeks. Always ensure the carrots are fully submerged in the brine. If you notice any signs of spoilage like cloudiness or an off odour, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard them.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level in this pickled carrots recipe?
Absolutely! Think of this recipe as a starting point. Before adding the carrots to the brine, give it a taste. If you prefer a sweeter pickle, add more sugar. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced chilli. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
My pickled carrots turned out a little soft. What did I do wrong?
Overcooking the carrots is the most common culprit for soft pickled carrots. You only want to blanch them for a very short time just until they are slightly softened but still have a good crunch. Also, make sure not to pack the jars too tightly, as this can also affect their texture.
Do I really need to sterilize the jars for this pickled carrots recipe? It seems like a faff.
Yes, sterilizing your jars is really important! Think of it like this: it's the equivalent of washing your hands before cooking - crucial! Sterilizing helps prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria and ensures your pickled carrots stay fresh and safe to eat for longer.
Boiling them for 10 minutes is a quick and easy way to do it plus it gives you peace of mind.
Can I use different types of vinegar for this pickled carrots recipe?
While white vinegar is a classic choice, you can definitely experiment! Apple cider vinegar will give your pickled carrots a slightly sweeter and more complex flavour. However, avoid using balsamic vinegar, as its flavour is too overpowering for this recipe.
Malt vinegar, like you might use on your chips, also isn't recommended.
Are pickled carrots healthy, and what's the nutritional info?
Pickled carrots can be a relatively healthy snack or side, as they retain many of the nutrients found in fresh carrots, like Vitamin A and fibre. However, they do contain sugar and sodium from the brine, so moderation is key.
Check the nutritional information provided in the recipe for a better idea of the calorie and nutrient content per serving, and remember that this is always an estimate.
Zesty Crunchy Pickled Carrots A Jar Of Sunshine
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 50 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | <1g |
| Fiber | <1g |
