A Delicious Pickled Vegetable Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved if large)
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups cucumber, thinly sliced (preferably English or Persian)
• 1 ½ cups white vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
• Fresh dill sprigs (optional for added herbiness)

Instructions:

• In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, garlic, red pepper flakes, and mustard seeds. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
• Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables in the bowl. Toss to combine.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld together.
• Once pickled, serve chilled with a garnish of fresh dill sprigs.

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
  A: While cherry tomatoes work best for this recipe due to their size and flavor, you can certainly substitute regular tomatoes, chopped into smaller pieces.
• Q: Is there a substitute for white vinegar?
  A: You can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar as alternatives to white vinegar.
• Q: How long will the pickled vegetables last in the refrigerator?
  A: The pickled vegetables can last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Helpful tips:

• For a sweeter pickle, increase the amount of sugar in the brine.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs such as fennel seeds, coriander seeds, or basil for unique flavor profiles.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of heat.

Expert Secrets:

• Add a tablespoon of honey to the brine for a touch of sweetness.
• For a crunchy texture, blanch the vegetables in boiling water for a minute before pickling.
• Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a complex flavor profile.