Oh, honey, these ain’t your grandma’s traditional pickles. Meet the Spicy Pickled Carrots, your new go-to snack, appetizer, and sandwich-topper. They’ve got that awesome pickle crunch we all love, with a hint of sweetness from the carrots and a surprising kick of spice. These babies are perfect for barbeques, picnics, Sunday brunches – basically, any occasion where good food is welcomed with open arms.
Trust me, once you try these Spicy Pickled Carrots, you’ll never get enough. They’re tangy, they’re sweet, they’re spicy – they’re a flavor explosion. And the best part? You can turn a plain ol’ carrot into this savory delight. No fancy equipment or ingredients required.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes + pickling time
Servings: 8
Yield: 1 quart
Ready to spice up your life with these mouth-watering pickles? Grab your apron and let’s get started.
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into diagonal pieces
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1�� cups water
- 1�� cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper flakes
Equipment:
- Knife
- Pot
- Glass Jar
Salt lends the tanginess while the sugar cuts through it with a hint of sweetness. The real magic happens with the apple cider vinegar and pepper flakes, which bring the spicy tang to your taste buds. You can swap apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a more tangy flavor. If you’re not into spicy food, feel free to adjust the amount of pepper flakes to your liking.
How To Make Spicy Pickled Carrots
- First, peel and slice the carrots diagonally for an aesthetic look.
- Combine water, vinegar, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes in a pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add in the sliced carrots and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
- Allow the mixture to cool down before transferring it into a glass jar. Store the jar in the fridge to marinate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Tips For The Best Results
- Let them sit! The longer they sit in the fridge, the more the flavors merge and the better the results. Give it at least a day.
- Blend the ingredients properly to make sure the peppery kick is evenly distributed.
Storage Tips
- Make sure to store the pickles in a tightly sealed container. They should stay crunchy and fresh for up to a month.
- Always refrigerate your pickled carrots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s an alternative for apple cider vinegar?
A: You can use white vinegar or even rice vinegar if you prefer. Keep in mind that each vinegar type will slightly change the taste.
Q: Do I need to peel the carrots?
A: While not mandatory, peeling the carrots can help in better absorbing the pickling solution.
Q: I don’t like spicy food, can I skip the pepper flakes?
A: If you don’t like spice, you can cut down the pepper flakes or skip them altogether. Your pickled carrots will still be delicious.
Q: Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots?
A: Absolutely! You can use cucumbers, onions or even radishes, following the same method.
Q: How long do pickled carrots last in the fridge?
A: They should last for up to a month as long as they’re kept refrigerated in a sealed container.
Nutritional Facts of Spicy Pickled Carrots
For every serving, expect approximately 60 calories, 1g of protein, 14g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fat. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamin A.
In conclusion, Spicy Pickled Carrots are an absolute joy to the palate. They’re good with everything and add a lively touch of sweet and spicy tang to your dishes. You can toss them in your tacos, burgers, or even enjoy them straight out of the jar if you like. Keep it spicy, amigos!
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