Horseradish Sweet Pickles Recipe for Tangy Homemade Flavor

Originally posted on April 17, 2022 @ 2:18 pm

There’s something deeply satisfying about the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in homemade pickles. Today, we’re diving into a unique twist on a classic favorite: Horseradish Sweet Pickles.

These pickles offer a delightful zing from horseradish paired with just the right amount of sweetness, making them a standout addition to any meal. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.

The crunchy texture combined with the spicy kick of horseradish creates a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and complex.

Homemade pickling is an art that allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. Plus, these horseradish sweet pickles make fantastic gifts or a tasty snack all on their own.

Get ready to add a new favorite to your culinary repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Horseradish Sweet Pickles offer an exciting variation on traditional sweet pickles, adding a subtle heat that wakes up your palate. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and can be stored for weeks, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully over time.

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy, making these pickles an ideal accompaniment for sandwiches, burgers, or a cheese platter. Plus, the horseradish not only adds distinctive flavor but also offers health benefits like improved digestion and immune support.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and rewarding, delivering crisp, flavorful pickles that will have you reaching for more.

Ingredients

• 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (about 4 medium cucumbers)
• 1 cup thinly sliced onions
• 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (freshly grated or jarred)
• 1 tablespoon pickling salt or kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Glass jars with lids (sterilized)
• Mixing spoon
• Colander or strainer
• Optional: mandoline slicer for uniform cucumber slices

Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers and onions: Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Slice the onions similarly. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
2. Salt the vegetables: Sprinkle the cucumbers and onions with the pickling salt and toss to combine. Let them sit for 1 hour to release excess moisture. Drain and rinse under cold water, then drain again thoroughly.
3. Make the pickling syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, water, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Add horseradish: Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the prepared horseradish and optional red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5. Combine pickles and syrup: Place the drained cucumbers and onions into the sterilized glass jars. Pour the warm pickling syrup over them, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged.
6. Seal and store: Close the jars tightly with their lids. Allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.
7. Wait and enjoy: Let the pickles marinate for at least 24 hours before tasting. For best flavor, wait 3-5 days. The pickles will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

Tips & Variations

For crispier pickles, try soaking the sliced cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes before salting.

Use fresh horseradish root grated finely if you prefer a brighter, more pungent horseradish flavor.

Adjust sweetness by varying sugar quantity to your taste. Some prefer a more tart or spicy pickle, so feel free to reduce sugar or add extra horseradish.

You can also experiment by adding fresh dill, garlic cloves, or even slices of jalapeño for a different flavor profile. If you want to preserve these pickles longer, consider water bath canning following safe canning guidelines.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These Horseradish Sweet Pickles are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside deli sandwiches or burgers for a zesty crunch.

They also pair wonderfully with roast meats, cheese boards, or as a tangy snack with crackers.

Try chopping them finely and mixing into potato salad or coleslaw for a flavorful upgrade. They can even be used as a topping on hot dogs or bratwursts to add a sweet and spicy dimension.

Conclusion

Making your own horseradish sweet pickles is a rewarding and delicious endeavor that brings a fresh, spicy twist to traditional pickling. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a jar full of crunchy, flavorful pickles that brighten up any meal.

This recipe offers flexibility to personalize the heat and sweetness to your preference, making it perfect for all kinds of taste buds. Whether you’re preserving summer cucumbers or looking for a unique gift idea, these pickles are sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors!

For more tasty homemade preserves and pickles, check out our other favorites like Classic Dill Pickles, Spicy Garlic Pickles, and Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles.

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