A simple and naturally flavored homemade dill pickle featuring fresh cucumbers, dill, salt, and vinegar. Stored in the refrigerator, this makes dill-icious spears or sliced pickles.
Rinse the cucumbers well with fresh water. Slice the cucumbers in coins or cut them in quarters lengthwise to create spears. (The shape depends on your intended use.)
In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt over high heat until boiling. Turn off heat.
Meanwhile, transfer the sliced cucumbers to 4 sterilized pint-sized jars. Add 1 clove of garlic, 1 tsp peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, ½ tsp mustard seeds, 4 heads fresh dill, and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour the hot vinegar-water solution over the cucumbers, leaving ¼ inch space from the rim of the jar.
Cover the jars with sealing lids and secure with the corresponding canning rings. Turn the jars upside down for 15 minutes. Then turn the jars right-side up and allow to continue cooling to room temperature.**
If the seals are good, label (date) and store the sealed pickles in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.** If the jars did not seal properly, store the pickles in air-tight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.**
These pickles can be enjoyed the next day; but the flavor is best if you wait at least 4-5 days.
Notes
* Your salt should not contain any additives, anti-caking agents, or fillers – good choices include pickling salt, kosher salt, or pure sea salt. Since the course varies slightly, you need to taste the brine to see if you prefer to add more salt. I purposely use less salt. I use 3 tsp, but feel free to add more if you aren't on a lower-sodium diet.** Proper Canning Seal: You’ll know the seal is successful if there is no give on the lid. If you can press down and feel the sealing lid give or move or hear it popping as you press down, the jar did not get a good seal and must be refrigerated.This recipe makes about 4 pint-sized jars of pickles, but it really depends on how small or large your pickles are and the shape and size of your jar.