Pickles are a popular side dish but can also be used in several other ways. Hot pickles are spicy and tangy and have the same crunch as regular gourmet pickles. They go well on hot dogs and hamburgers or add them to soups or stews for a flavor boost. Read on if you're looking for new ways to enjoy hot pickles!
A spicy, sweet, and tangy relish
Ketchup and relish are great, but they're not the only condiments you can use with your hot pickle. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy a spicy, sweet and tangy relish:
- Add a splash to your sandwich for some extra flavor.
- Try it in place of ketchup on your next burger or hot dog. You'll have no idea you're eating anything out of the ordinary!
- Toss it into salads as a way to add color and taste without being overpowering. This will make any salad seem fancy enough for dinner parties or guests, even if it's just you at home by yourself eating lunchtime leftovers from yesterday's dinner party (you know who we're talking about).
The health benefits of gourmet pickles
While it's true that best dill pickles are a salty snack, they're perfect for you. Pickles contain vitamins A, B6, and C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Pickles also contain probiotics that help with digestion.
- Pickle juice can increase blood pressure in rats!
- Eating pickle juice before a workout can help improve endurance by reducing lactic acid build-up in the muscles before an event.
- Drinking pickle juice after working out helps reduce muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to damaged tissues. This action may be due to the presence of enzymes called proteases found naturally in fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi (a traditional Korean dish).
Fried pickles make a tasty game-day snack
Fried pickles make a tasty game-day snack. They're also great with burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. These fried pickles are easy to make at home!
Fried Pickles: Ingredients
- 6 slices of dill pickles (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 egg, beaten with a splash of water
- ¼ cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
- ¼ cup cornmeal seasoned with salt and pepper
Hot and spicy dill pickles
- Use fresh dill. You can buy it at the grocery store, but it's even better if you have a herb garden. Air-dried dill has been hanging around in your pantry for quite some time and is less potent than fresh, so don't be afraid to use up the last of your harvest!
- Use a pickling spice mix that includes mustard seeds and allspice berries (just ensure they're whole). These two spices are not just for flavor; they'll also add heat!
- Use vinegar and water brine instead of plain water; this will help preserve your hot pickles longer than just plain water alone would. Plus, it adds an extra kick to them too!
Hot pickles are great on top of hot dogs and hamburgers
Hot pickles can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They're great on top of hot dogs and hamburgers, making them perfect for game day. Hot pickles are also perfect for parties, picnics, and even trips to the beach!
Make a healthy soup that includes pickles
- Use pickles in soup. Pickles are often used in soups, and you can use them as an ingredient or garnish for almost any vegetable soup. Simply use your favorite vegetable stock and add a variety of chopped vegetables to make the soup more flavorful and filling.
- Add meat if you want it. Vegetable-only soups are great, but sometimes you might want something a little heartier; adding leftover cooked chicken or pork is one way to do that without breaking the bank on expensive ingredients like meatballs or sausage links.* Use leftovers! If you have leftovers from dinner that aren't going to be eaten before they spoil, adding them into a healthy hot soup will help extend their lifespan while keeping them safe from getting freezer burn
Homemade spicy pickles
To make the sweet pickles, first you will need a large pot. Fill the pot with water. Then boil the water and add the sliced cucumbers, salt, vinegar and spices (see below). Boil for 10 minutes or until they turn bright green. To make your own spicy pickles: In a small bowl combine 4 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground mustard seed, 1 teaspoon of dill weed, 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder. Then sprinkle over warm pickles in an airtight container before refrigerating them for up to 1 month!
Eat hot pickles in lots of different ways
There are many ways to enjoy your hot pickles. Try serving them with sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs. Hot pickles are also great with fish and chicken dishes and tacos.
Conclusion
Hot pickles are a great way to spice up your mealtime. They're tasty and healthy too! Try these recipes on your next trip to the grocery store or farmer's market.
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