Forget everything you think you know about pickles. This isn't your grandma's recipe; we're diving headfirst into a surprisingly delicious world of soft drink pickles! Using the unexpected sweetness and acidity of various soft drinks, we'll transform humble vegetables into vibrant, tangy, and incredibly flavorful treats. Imagine the crisp crunch of perfectly pickled cucumbers infused with the unique zest of cola, or the delightful sweetness of ginger ale complementing the bite of carrots. This isn't just a quirky experiment; it's a gateway to a whole new level of pickled perfection.
These quick and easy recipes require minimal ingredients and prep time, making them ideal for both beginner picklers and seasoned pros seeking a fun twist on a classic. From choosing the right vegetables and soft drink to mastering the perfect brine, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Ready to embark on this flavorful adventure? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to making soft drink pickles!
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Basin
- Stove
- Food container
- Jars
Ingredients
- White radish: 200g
- Carrots: 200g
- Kohlrabi: 200g
- Scallions: 200g
- Cabbage: 200g
- Pickled onions: 200g
- Salt: 50g
- Pickled cabbage: 500g
- Water: 1.5 liters
- Salt (for blanching): 1/2 tablespoon
- Onion, garlic, chili: 150g
- Soft drink: 1.5 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate Vegetables
- Cut white radish, carrots, kohlrabi, scallions, and cabbage into desired shapes and sizes.
- Mix vegetables with 50g of salt and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cut the pickled cabbage into 2cm thick pieces.
- Blanch pickled cabbage in boiling water with 1/2 tablespoon of salt until it turns green.
- Rinse the blanched cabbage with cold water to maintain crispness.
- Prepare onion, garlic, and chili by slicing them thinly.
- Wash the marinated vegetables to remove excess salt.
Step 2. Dry and Combine Ingredients
- Dry the vegetables thoroughly either under the sun or with a fan for 2-3 hours.
- Combine all the vegetables, onions, garlic, chili, and soft drink in a basin. Mix well.
Step 3. Initial Fermentation
- Leave the mixture at normal temperature (do not refrigerate) for a day, covered to prevent bugs.
Step 4. Jar and Refrigerate
- Transfer the pickles to clean, dry jars. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to allow the sour taste to develop.
Read more: Crunchy Pickled Firecracker Eggplant: A Vietnamese Recipe
Tips
- Marinating vegetables with salt helps them become crispier and cleaner.
- Do not over-blanch the cabbage, as this can affect the quality of the pickles.
- Using a gassy soft drink helps the fermentation process.
- Ensure the jars are completely dry before storing the pickles.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: approximately 1-2g
- Carbs: approximately 100-120g
- Protein: approximately 5-7g
FAQs
1. Can I use diet soft drinks to make pickles?
Yes! Diet soft drinks will work, but the pickles may have a slightly less sweet flavor. Experiment to see what you prefer.
2. How long will my soft drink pickles last?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, your soft drink pickles should last for 2-3 weeks. Make sure they're fully submerged in the brine.
So there you have it – a surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious way to pickle your vegetables! Experiment with different soft drinks and vegetables to discover your own unique flavor combinations. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and tangy zest of your homemade soft drink pickles!