If you love pickles with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy kick, mustard pickles are a must-try! These old-fashioned pickles are a delightful twist on the usual dill variety, featuring a rich mustard-flavored brine that makes them uniquely tasty. Making mustard pickles at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into how you can make your own mustard pickles step-by-step, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
What Are Mustard Pickles?
Mustard pickles are a traditional type of pickle popular in many regions, especially in Newfoundland and parts of Canada. They typically combine cucumbers and onions (sometimes other vegetables like cauliflower and peppers) in a sweet, tangy, and mustard-spiced brine. Unlike dill pickles, mustard pickles have a thicker, sweeter, and more complex flavor profile thanks to the mustard powder, turmeric, and sugar in the brine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Cucumbers (small, about 1 to 3 inches long, work best)
– Onions (optional, but traditional)
– Pickling or canning salt
– Granulated sugar
– White vinegar (distilled, 5% acidity)
– Ground mustard (not dry mustard powder with additives)
– Turmeric
– Pickling spices (optional for extra flavor)
– Water
– Mustard seeds (optional)
– ClearJel or flour (for thickening, optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mustard Pickles
1. Prepare and Soak the Vegetables
Start by washing your cucumbers and onions thoroughly. Cut the cucumbers into small chunks or slices, and dice the onions if using. Place them in a large glass or stainless steel bowl.
Next, dissolve pickling salt in cold water (about 1 cup salt to 8 cups water). Pour this brine over the vegetables, making sure they are fully submerged. Use a plate or weight to keep them down. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. This step helps draw out excess moisture and crisps up the cucumbers.
2. Rinse and Drain
After soaking, drain the salty water and rinse the cucumbers and onions well under cold running water. Drain thoroughly to prepare for the brine.
3. Make the Mustard Brine
In a large pot, combine sugar, ground mustard, turmeric, and optionally celery salt or pickling spices. Add a small amount of water and whisk to form a smooth paste. Then pour in the vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. You can add a thickener like ClearJel or flour if you want a thicker sauce.
4. Cook the Pickles in the Brine
Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the boiling mustard brine. Simmer gently for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften slightly while remaining crisp.
5. Jar and Preserve
Ladle the hot mustard pickles into sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles, wipe the rims clean, and seal with lids and bands. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes for safe preservation if you want to store them long-term.
Alternatively, you can store the pickles in the refrigerator without canning, which is quicker and easier but best for shorter-term use.
Tips for Perfect Mustard Pickles
– Choose the right cucumbers: Small cucumbers (1-3 inches) are ideal because they stay crisp and have fewer seeds.
– Use ground mustard, not dry mustard powder: Ground mustard provides the authentic flavor without additives.
– Be patient: Some recipes call for fermenting the pickles in the brine for several days to develop deeper flavor.
– Adjust sweetness: You can tweak the sugar amount to your taste for sweeter or tangier pickles.
– Experiment with spices: Adding mustard seeds, ginger, or pickling spices can enhance the flavor complexity.
Why Make Mustard Pickles at Home?
Making mustard pickles yourself lets you control the ingredients, sweetness, and spice level. Plus, homemade pickles have a fresh, vibrant flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. They’re perfect as a tangy condiment on sandwiches, burgers, or served alongside meats and cheeses.
Mustard pickles are a delicious way to preserve cucumbers with a unique twist. With just a few simple steps, you can create a batch of these flavorful pickles that will brighten up any meal and impress your friends and family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the tangy, sweet, and spicy goodness of homemade mustard pickles!