Go Back
+ servings
Fermented Garlic and Dill Pickles
Print

Fermented Garlic and Dill Pickles

Adapted from here.
Servings 8 servings
Author Brandon Matzek

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Persian cucumbers (or other pickling cucumber)
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 6 sprigs fresh dill
  • A pinch of whole peppercorns
  • A pinch of red pepper flake (will bump this up next time, or add whole chiles)
  • 2 grape leaves (or other fruit tree leaves, optional)
  • 6 cups water (filtered, bottled or distilled)
  • 4 tablespoons sea salt (I used coarse)

Instructions

  • Place cucumbers, garlic, dill, peppercorns, red pepper flakes and grape leaves in a large, clean jar.
  • Add water and sea salt to a large bowl with a pour spout. Whisk until sea salt dissolves into the water (this is called a brine). Pour brine into the jar with cucumbers and flavorings.
  • Place a plate or plastic lid in the jar to keep the contents submerged under the brine. Weigh plate or lid down with a clean bottle (or anything heavy that will fit in your jar). I used a plastic lid (from a take-out container); however, I didn't have to weigh it down. The shape of my jar held the lid securely in place. Cover the opening of the jar with a kitchen towel and secure towel with a rubber band.
  • Let the cucumbers ferment at room temperature until desired flavor is achieved, then store in the refrigerator. I tasted the cucumber after 5 days and then each day after. On day 7, I felt the pickles were very sour and flavorful.
  • As the cucumbers ferment, you'll notice some mold form on the surface of the water. This is natural. Simply spoon out and discard the mold. Also, rinse the lid and weight, and dry before returning to the jar. I did this three times during my 7 day fermentation process. If there are any residual bits of mold floating on the surface after you skim, swirl around the jar to send them into the brine. This kills off the mold. Just know, that as long as your cucumbers remain submerged in the brine, they are safe from mold ????