Quick And Easy Southern Pickles And Okra Recipes

QUICK AND EASY PICKLES WITH CHILES

Steps:

• Mix the sea salt, vinegar and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the brine from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Arrange the cucumbers upright in 2 quart-size jars. Add the dill sprigs and sliced peppers to the jars. The cucumbers should fit tightly and should come within 1/2 inch of the top of the container.
• Fill the containers with the brine to the top and tap on a flat surface to remove any possible air bubbles. Cover and refrigerate until pickled and chilled, at least 6 hours but preferably overnight. The pickles will last in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks.

QUICK PICKLED OKRA

Steps:

• Rinse okra in a colander. Add 3 tablespoons salt, and toss to combine. Let okra drain in sink 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare an ice-water bath; set aside.
• Put remaining 3 tablespoons salt, 2 cups water, the vinegar, sugar, bay leaves, pickling spice, cayenne, onions, and jalapeno into a nonreactive medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
• Rinse okra under cold running water to remove salt. Transfer to a large nonreactive bowl. Pour brine over okra. Set bowl in ice-water bath; let cool 10 minutes. Transfer bowl to refrigerator to cool completely, about 25 minutes. Serve.