Why is it important to dry the cucumbers completely before pickling?

Drying the cucumbers thoroughly ensures that no excess water dilutes the pickling mixture, which could compromise the flavor and texture of the pickles. Moisture can also promote bacterial growth, which might spoil the pickles prematurely.

What role does mustard powder play in this recipe?

The Oriental hot mustard powder adds a sharp, tangy heat to the pickles, balancing the acidity of the lemon juice and the saltiness of the sea salt. It also gives the pickles a unique flavor profile that complements Indian cuisine.

Can I use regular table salt instead of coarse sea salt?

It's best to use coarse sea salt as specified, as it has a less concentrated salinity compared to table salt, which could make the pickles overly salty. Additionally, coarse salt helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers more effectively.

How can I ensure the cucumbers stay fully submerged in the pickling mixture?

To keep the cucumbers submerged, you can use a small, clean weight, such as a sterilized glass or ceramic object, placed on top of the cucumbers in the jar. This prevents exposure to air, which could lead to spoilage.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the pickles?

To reduce the spiciness, you can use less Oriental hot mustard powder or substitute it with a milder mustard powder. If you prefer more heat, you can slightly increase the amount of mustard powder, but be cautious as it can overpower the other flavors.

Quick Jain-Friendly Cucumber Pickles Recipe

Name: Quick Jain-Friendly Cucumber Pickles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 h
Total time: 1450 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 450 G English Cucumber 450-550g; - Sunita Lemon Juice Organic; 1 Kg Coarse Sea Salt, 1Kg; 85G Oriental Hot Mustard Powder, 85G

Indian cuisine · 40 calories

Quick Jain-Friendly Cucumber Pickles recipe

About this recipe

A simple and refreshing pickle recipe tailored for Jain dietary preferences, perfect as a side dish for dinner. These pickles are ready after one day.

Ingredients

450 G English Cucumber 450-550g
- Sunita Lemon Juice Organic
1 Kg Coarse Sea Salt, 1Kg
85G Oriental Hot Mustard Powder, 85G

Instructions

1. Prepare the pickling mixture by combining 1 cup (240 ml) of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of sea salt and 1 tablespoon of mustard powder in a mixing bowl, stirring until the salt dissolves.
2. Select 500 g of medium-sized cucumbers, wash them thoroughly, dry them completely and cut them into thick slices or spears.
3. Place the cucumbers into a clean glass jar and pour over the pickling mixture, pressing them down so they are submerged.
4. Seal the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours (1440 minutes), turning the jar over once or twice.
5. Serve the pickles as a side dish for dinner, then keep any leftovers in the fridge and eat within 3 days.

How to make Quick Jain-Friendly Cucumber Pickles

Mix the brine. Combine 1 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sea salt and 1 tablespoon powdered mustard in a bowl, then pour it into a clean glass jar or crock.
Prepare the cucumbers. Select medium-sized cucumbers, wash them thoroughly and dry them completely so that no moisture remains on the skins.
Submerge and seal. Place the dried cucumbers into the jar so they are fully submerged in the pickling mixture, then seal the jar tightly.
Rest and serve. Let the jar sit at room temperature for 24 hours, then serve the pickles as a dinner side, refilling the jar with fresh cucumbers.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it important to dry the cucumbers completely before pickling?: Drying the cucumbers thoroughly ensures that no excess water dilutes the pickling mixture, which could compromise the flavor and texture of the pickles. Moisture can also promote bacterial growth, which might spoil the pickles prematurely.
What role does mustard powder play in this recipe?: The Oriental hot mustard powder adds a sharp, tangy heat to the pickles, balancing the acidity of the lemon juice and the saltiness of the sea salt. It also gives the pickles a unique flavor profile that complements Indian cuisine.
Can I use regular table salt instead of coarse sea salt?: It's best to use coarse sea salt as specified, as it has a less concentrated salinity compared to table salt, which could make the pickles overly salty. Additionally, coarse salt helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers more effectively.
How can I ensure the cucumbers stay fully submerged in the pickling mixture?: To keep the cucumbers submerged, you can use a small, clean weight, such as a sterilized glass or ceramic object, placed on top of the cucumbers in the jar. This prevents exposure to air, which could lead to spoilage.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the pickles?: To reduce the spiciness, you can use less Oriental hot mustard powder or substitute it with a milder mustard powder. If you prefer more heat, you can slightly increase the amount of mustard powder, but be cautious as it can overpower the other flavors.