Let me share with you a little secret to elevating your meals: homemade pickled red onion and carrots! Think of them as the unsung heroes in the kitchen, ready to add a burst of flavor to just about anything.
From giving your tacos that extra zing, to transforming a humble sandwich into a gourmet delight, these vibrant pickles are your ticket to flavor town.
And here’s the best part – whipping up this zesty condiment is a breeze! You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard, nor do you need fancy gadgets.
It’s all about mixing, tasting, and having fun. What’s more, you get to play chef and tweak the recipe to suit your palate – more sugar, less salt, a dash of heat?
Let’s dive into the world of pickled perfection and see how simple it is to bring this tangy treat to your table.
Pickled Red Onion And Carrots Recipe
Equipment
- 1 16 oz Pickling Jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 Large Red Onion
- 1 Medium Carrot
- 5 Ounces Water
- 7 Ounces Vinegar- (Distilled, Apple Cider, White or Red Wine)
- 1 tbsp Sea Salt- It's best not to use table salt since it has iodine and anti-caking additives, which can cause the pickling liquid to turn cloudy and change the color of what you're pickling.
- 1 tbsp Sugar- For a low-carb or keto option try using monk fruit or other type of sweeteners.
- Optional- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- Optional- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
Instructions
- Slice the red onion and carrots: Peel the onion, then slice it thinly into half-moons. Then, depending on your chosen style (julienne, coins, ribbons, etc.), slice the carrots accordingly.
- Get the pickling jar ready: Using a clean, sterilized jar, add the sliced onions and carrots.
- Preparing the brine: In a small saucepan, heat the water, white vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt to a boil until the sugar and salt have dissolved.
- Adding the brine: Pour the pickling liquid over the onions and carrots, making sure they are completely submerged.
- Cool to room temperature: Set aside the jars and allow them to cool to room temperature, typically 1-2 hours. Once cooled, cover and place jars inside the refrigerator.
- Tasty treat: For the best results, allow 24 hours before serving. Your pickled onions should last up to 2 weeks if refrigerated properly.
Notes
- Matchstick or Julienne Cuts: These are thin, stick-like cuts that look elegant and pick up the pickling flavors well. They’re perfect for adding a crunchy texture to dishes.
- Coins or Rounds: Slicing carrots into thin circles or coins is a classic cut. This method exposes a lot of surface area to the pickling liquid, ensuring a thorough infusion of flavors.
Nutrition
Spice It Up-Crafting Your Signature Pickle Blend
Let’s talk about the fun part – the spice adventure! When it comes to pickling those gorgeous red onions and crunchy carrots, think of your spice rack as your playground.
Every spice you add is like a new character in an exciting story, making your pickled veggies not just a side dish, but a star in their own right.
In my kitchen, I’ve played around with a variety of spices in my pickling adventures. Here I will walk you through some of my all-time favorites and maybe they’ll inspire you to create your own signature blend.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong here – just a world of flavors waiting to be discovered!
Cumin
Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that pairs well with the sweetness of pickled onions and carrots.
Adding a teaspoon or two of cumin seeds to your pickling liquid can give your veggies a subtle smoky flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
Mustard Seeds 🌾
Mustard seeds are a classic pickling spice that add a tangy and slightly bitter taste to your pickled veggies. They also give your pickled onions and carrots a nice crunch.
I like to use yellow mustard seeds, but you can also experiment with brown or black mustard seeds for a more intense flavor.
Bay Leaves 🍃
Bay leaves are a fragrant herb that add a subtle depth of flavor to your pickled veggies. They have a slightly sweet and spicy taste that pairs well with the tanginess of pickled onions and carrots.
Adding one or two bay leaves to your pickling liquid can make a big difference in the overall taste of your pickled veggies.
Garlic 🧄
Garlic is a versatile spice that adds a pungent and savory taste to your pickled veggies.
Adding a few cloves of minced garlic to your pickling liquid can give your pickled onions and carrots a bold and flavorful kick.
Garlic also has antibacterial properties that can help preserve your pickled veggies for longer.
Interested in a recipe that’ll zing your taste buds? My pickled Onions, carrots, and jalapenos recipe is a vibrant dance of spicy and tangy!
Pairing Ideas for Pickled Red Onion And Carrots
Pickled red onion and carrots can be a great addition to many dishes. Here are some ways I use them:
- Tacos:🌮 The tangy flavor of pickled red onions and carrots can complement the spiciness of tacos. You can add them to any type of taco, from chicken to beef to fish. They can also be a great topping for taco bowls or salads.
- Sandwiches:🥪Pickled red onions and carrots can add a nice crunch and tang to sandwiches. They go well with both meat and vegetarian options. Try adding them to a turkey or ham sandwich, or a veggie wrap.
- Burgers:🍔 If you’re looking to add some flavor to your burgers, pickled red onions and carrots can be a great option. They can be added as a topping or mixed into the meat before cooking.
- Rice bowls:🍚 Pickled red onions and carrots can be a great addition to rice bowls. They can add some color and flavor to the dish. Try adding them to a teriyaki chicken or tofu bowl.
- Salads:🥗 Pickled red onions and carrots can be a great addition to salads. They can add some crunch and flavor to a simple green salad. They can also be added to pasta or potato salads.
Join Our Community
I love pickling vegetables and fruits, especially red onions and carrots. If you’re reading this article, chances are you do too!
I’d like to invite you to join our community of pickling enthusiasts.
By joining our community, you’ll get access to exclusive recipes, tips and tricks, and updates on the latest pickling trends. Plus, you’ll get to share your own experiences and connect with other like-minded individuals who share your passion for pickling.
To join our community, simply sign up for our newsletter. I’ll send you regular updates and recipes straight to your inbox, so you never miss out on the latest pickling news.
Wrapping Up Our Time Together
As we bring our pickle journey to a close, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. It’s been a fun adventure, diving into the vibrant world of pickled red onions and carrots, exploring spices, and dreaming up all the delicious dishes to pair them with.
But, like all good things, our time together in this flavorful recipe must come to an end.
Before we part ways, I want to remind you of the simple joy that comes from creating something so delightful in your own kitchen.
Remember, each jar of isn’t just a condiment; it’s a story of your creativity, a testament to your willingness to experiment and explore.
So, as you unscrew your next jar of homemade pickles, remember this journey we shared. Let the tangy crunch of each bite be a reminder of the fun, the flavors, and the friendships that cooking can foster.
And who knows? Maybe these pickled delights will inspire your next kitchen adventure.
Until then, keep savoring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep sharing the joy of your kitchen creations with those you love. Bon appétit!
