How to Make Quick Pickles With a Food Processor
Pickles are a classic staple that pack a powerful flavor and crunch, and with the help of your food processor you can easily add some extra zest to your favorite recipes. Traditional pickles usually require special canning tools and long wait times to allow the vegetables to absorb the brine, but with quick pickling you can have fresh pickles in a matter of minutes using a few simple ingredients.
What Are Quick Pickles?
Quick pickles are vegetables that have been briefly soaked in a vinegar brine, giving them their signature flavor. Quick pickling is similar to traditional pickling as it uses a mix of vinegar, salt and spices, but instead of sitting in the brine for days or weeks, quick pickles are ready to eat in minutes.
What cucumbers Are Best for Pickling?
When it comes to pickling cucumbers, you want thicker-skinned varieties such as Kirby or Burpless that can stand up to the brine and remain crunchy. You may want to avoid larger cucumbers as they typically have more seeds, which can alter the texture of your pickles.
Quick Pickles Recipe
Quick pickling is an easy and fast way to make delicious pickles. Simply slice cucumbers using your food processor, then submerge them in a warm homemade brine. The pickles absorb the brine flavors as they cool.
You can use the following recipe to learn how to make quick pickles, and then you can experiment with different vegetables and seasoning blends to make your own unique quick pickled creations.
YIELDS
8 servings
INGREDIENTS
- Vinegar, like white or apple cider
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Herbs and spices, such as dill, mustard seeds, peppercorns, onions or garlic
TOOLS
Saucepan
Food processor with a slicing disc, like the KitchenAid® 13-Cup Food Processor with Dicing Kit
Heat-proof pint jars with lids
PREP TIME
10 minutes
TOTAL TIME
45 minutes
Step 1. Prep your ingredients and tools
Nobody wants to bite into a soft, mushy pickle. For extra crisp pickles, soak your cucumbers in ice water for 4–5 hours before you begin the pickling process.
Assemble your food processor and place the slicing disc at the top of the work bowl. Attach the lid and plug in the appliance. If you’re adding fresh garlic or onions to your pickles, slice and mince accordingly using your food processor. Some food processors have multiple discs to help you slide, shred or grate ingredients.
Step 2. Slice your cucumbers
If your food processor has thickness settings for slicing, choose a medium thickness, then turn it on. Feed your cucumbers into the processor through the feed tube to create even slices. Add the vegetables evenly into your heat-proof pint jars along with any fresh aromatics like fresh herbs, garlic or onions.
Step 3. Create the brine
Combine the sugar, salt, vinegar, water and additional spices in your saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.
Step 4. Cover cucumbers with the brine
Carefully pour your homemade pickling brine over your sliced cucumbers. Place the lids on each jar and screw them on tightly, then allow your pickles to cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
SHOP KITCHENAID® Food Processors
KitchenAid® food processors help make cooking prep easy. Browse options with the Exact Slice disc that allows you to easily adjust the thickness of your slices from paper thin to thick and hearty.
Which Vinegar Is Best for Pickling?
White distilled vinegar is commonly used because it has a mild flavor, but the type of vinegar you use depends on the flavor you are looking for. Brines made from apple cider, rice, white or red wine vinegars can add a unique zip to your pickles.
However, it is important to note that different types of vinegar may change the color of your pickles.
Can You Reuse Vinegar After Pickling?
It is not recommended to reuse the vinegar after pickling as it will have been diluted by the cucumbers releasing water into the solution, which can raise its pH. This elevated pH may affect the next batch of pickles and result in an off-flavor. It is best to discard the old vinegar and start fresh with a new batch.
What Else Can You Pickle?
Pickling isn't just for cucumbers – you can use quick pickling to preserve a variety of vegetables like onions, carrots and beets, or even fruit like apples and cherries. By using different vinegars and spices, you can create unique flavor combinations that are perfect for topping your favorite salads or sandwiches.
What to Eat With Quick Pickles?
Quick pickles are a delicious addition to a variety of recipes. Top Homemade Veggie Burgers with classic dill flavored quick pickles, or give this Air Fryer Chicken Katsu Sandwich a spicy kick by adding jalapeno infused quick pickles. You can even add these brined veggies to rich recipes like Creamy Pesto Potato Salad to brighten up the dish and bring in a little bite.
How Do You Store Quick Pickles?
Quick pickles should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Pickles can last longer than fresh cucumbers but may lose some of their crunch and flavor over time. To preserve their flavor, make sure to keep your pickles submerged in the brine and sealed in an airtight container.
SHOP KITCHENAID® Food Processors
KitchenAid® food processors make prepping your ingredients quick and easy so you can focus more on your making. With easy-to-clean parts and in-bowl blade storage on select models, your food processor can help you become effortlessly creative. Browse the entire line of food processors from KitchenAid brand to explore new culinary possibilities.
