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Classic Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Easy Sweet Turmeric Brine Tutorial

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A classic old-fashioned bread and butter pickles recipe featuring a sweet turmeric brine that adds vibrant color and subtle earthiness. These pickles are tangy, sweet, and perfect as a crunchy side or sandwich topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium fresh cucumbers (preferably Kirby or pickling cucumbers)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
  • 2 cups white vinegar (480ml)
  • 1 cup water (240ml)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons pickling or kosher salt (no iodine)

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers and onions into thin rounds about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber and onion slices with 2 tablespoons of salt. Toss well to coat evenly and let sit for 1 to 2 hours, tossing occasionally to draw out excess moisture.
  3. While the veggies are salting, prepare the sweet turmeric brine by combining 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 2 cups white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Drain the salted cucumbers and onions in a colander and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry gently with paper towels.
  5. Place the drained veggies in clean glass jars or airtight containers. Pour the hot sweet turmeric brine over them, ensuring everything is submerged.
  6. Let the jars cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate. Allow pickles to develop flavor for at least 24 hours, preferably 3 days. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use pickling or kosher salt to avoid cloudy brine and off flavors. Pour hot brine over veggies to help absorption but avoid boiling. Let pickles sit refrigerated for at least 24 hours for best flavor, ideally 3 days. Press veggies down if brine does not cover fully. For a spicy variation, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Sugar can be reduced or substituted with monk fruit or stevia for a low-sugar version.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, pickles recipe, sweet turmeric brine, refrigerator pickles, easy pickles, homemade pickles, vegan pickles, gluten-free pickles

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/classic-old-fashioned-bread-and-butter-pickles-recipe-easy-sweet-turmeric-brine-tutorial/