Jain-Friendly Sweet And Spiced Pickles Recipe

About this recipe

A delightful Jain-friendly pickle recipe with a balance of sweetness and warm spices, perfect for dinner accompaniments. These pickles are prepared with a unique blend of spices and a touch of sugar for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

• 450 G English Cucumber 450-550g
• 100G Borwicks Bicarbonate Of Soda, 100G
• - Sunita Lemon Juice Organic
• 1 Kg Kosher Sea Salt Bwfo
• 40 g Bart Allspice Ground 40g
• 25 g Artemis Cloves Grain Bio 25 G
• 250G Terre Exotique Cinnamon Stick, 15Cm, 250G
• 1 Kg White Granulated Sugar

Instructions

1. 1. Dissolve 1 cup of salt in enough water to fully submerge the cucumber slices in a large bowl.
2. 2. Wrap 1 tablespoon of allspice, 1 tablespoon of cloves, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth and place it in the saltwater mixture.
3. 3. Add the cucumber slices to the saltwater and let them soak for 4 days in a cool, dark place.
4. 4. After 4 days, drain the cucumbers and soak them in bicarbonate of soda water (1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda dissolved in 1 quart of water) for 1 day.
5. 5. Drain the cucumbers again and soak them in a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water for 1 day.
6. 6. Prepare a syrup by mixing lemon juice and 3 cups of sugar in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
7. 7. Pour the hot syrup over the cucumbers and let them sit overnight.
8. 8. Repeat the process of bringing the syrup to a boil and pouring it over the cucumbers for 4 consecutive mornings.
9. 9. On the final day, transfer the pickles and syrup into sterilized jars or a large crock. Seal tightly and store in a cool place.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the cucumbers need to soak in saltwater for 4 days?

The 4-day saltwater soak draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers, enhancing their texture and ensuring they remain crisp during the pickling process. This step also helps the cucumbers absorb the spices and flavors more effectively in the later stages of the recipe.

What is the purpose of wrapping the spices in cheesecloth?

Wrapping the allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth prevents the spices from dispersing throughout the brine, making it easier to remove them after the soaking process. This ensures the cucumbers are infused with the spices' flavors without leaving residue or overpowering the pickles.

Can I substitute the English cucumber with another type of cucumber?

English cucumbers are ideal for this recipe due to their thin skin and fewer seeds, which help maintain the pickles' texture. If unavailable, you can use Persian cucumbers as a substitute, but avoid larger varieties like American slicing cucumbers, as their thicker skin and higher water content may affect the final result.

Why is bicarbonate of soda used in the recipe?

The bicarbonate of soda soak helps neutralize any residual saltiness from the initial brine and further tenderizes the cucumbers. This step ensures the pickles achieve a balanced flavor and prevents them from becoming overly salty.

How do I know if the pickles are ready to jar after the syrup process?

The pickles are ready to jar when they have absorbed the sweet and spiced syrup, appearing slightly translucent and evenly coated. The repeated boiling and soaking process over four days ensures the cucumbers are fully infused with the syrup's flavor.

Can I reduce the sugar in the syrup for a less sweet pickle?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the syrup, but keep in mind that the sweetness balances the spices and preserves the pickles. Reducing the sugar too much may result in a less flavorful or less shelf-stable product.