Sep 19, 2011

Sour Pickles

Most commercial pickles are preserved with vinegar, which is the product of one kind of fermentation. But sour pickles develop their complex flavor thanks to lactic fermentation, the process by which the naturally occurring bacteria Lactobacillus transforms and preserves foods, usually in a brine. The balance of salinity is key: You want enough salt to get a nice, crisp pickle and to prevent the growth of pathogens or mold, but not so much that the pickles are unpleasant to eat. Traditional techniques for creating firm pickles include adding grape leaves, oak leaves, or horseradish leaves—all rich in tannins, which prevent the pickles from going soft—to the brine. This recipe first appeared in our October 2011 issue along with Sara Dickerman's article Preserving Plenty.

Credit: Todd Coleman

MAKES ABOUT 1 QUART

INGREDIENTS

½ cup packed dill fronds

1 tsp. whole black peppercorns

10 cloves garlic, peeled

5 dried chiles de árbol

1 fresh grape leaf (optional)

1½ lb. 3–4″-long mini gherkins

6 tbsp. kosher or sea salt

6 cups filtered water, warmed

INSTRUCTIONS

In a sterilized 2-qt. glass jar, combine dill fronds, peppercorns, garlic, chiles de árbol, and grape leaf (if using). Place gherkins in the jar over the aromatics. Dissolve salt in filtered water in a bowl to make a brine, and then pour the brine over the gherkins until covered. Pour any remaining brine or water into a resealable plastic sandwich bag, and place the bag on top of the gherkins to keep them submerged. Drape a large kitchen towel over the jar and let sit at room temperature (ideally 70°–75°) until gherkins have cured to your taste, about 3–4 weeks. Once pickles are soured, cover jars with lids, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.