AIP Refrigerator Pickles
AIP refrigerator pickles made with cucumbers, white wine vinegar, coconut sugar, and turmeric for crisp, bread and butter-style quick pickles.
Ingredients
- 6 Kirby cucumbers
- 3 tsp Kosher salt
- Sprigs of fresh dill
- 1½ cups white wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar (golden or blonde)
- ⅛ tsp ground turmeric
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tsp mustard seeds optional
- 1 tsp peppercorns optional
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch rounds and toss them with 2 teaspoons of salt. Transfer the salted cucumbers to a strainer set over a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This dry brine will draw out excess moisture and begin the pickling process.
- Remove the cucumbers from the refrigerator, drain the accumulated water and rinse the cucumbers to remove any remaining salt.
- Divide the cucumbers across multiple heat-safe canning jars and tuck in a few sprigs of fresh dill.
- In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, remaining teaspoon of salt, coconut sugar, turmeric, garlic, bay leaves, and, if using, the mustard seeds and peppercorns. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, then let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- Carefully pour the brine over the cucumbers, making sure they’re completely submerged, and divide the pickling spices across the jars.
- Let cool slightly at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within two to three weeks.
Notes
This is a refrigerator pickle recipe, not a shelf-stable preserved food. The recipe is not written to comply with safe canning guidelines. Do not store at room temperature. The process does not require sterilization of jars or equipment, though sterilization is always a good practice. Once prepared, keep the pickles tightly sealed in the refrigerator and consume within two to three weeks. Discard earlier if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold, off smells, or bubbling.