Milwaukee Dill Refrigerator Pickles Recipe (2024)

For the Cold-Water Soak:

• About 25 small "number one" cucumbers (about 2 pounds/1kg; see note)

• 1 cup pickling or other pure salt (about 8 3/4 ounces/250g; see note)

For the Pickling Spice Mix and Brine:

• 4 tablespoons whole mustard seeds, divided

• 1 tablespoon whole allspice

• 1 tablespoon whole juniper berries

• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds

• 5 whole cloves

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 2 bay leaves, divided

• 1 small (2-inch) cinnamon stick, broken into pieces

• 1 whole star anise, broken into pieces (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar at 5% acidity (355ml)

• 2 tablespoons pickling or other pure salt (about 1 ounce/30g; see note)

• 1 tablespoon sugar(optional)

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced white onion (from about 1/4 medium onion)

• 4 medium cloves garlic

• 2 large tufts dill weed, flowers removed and reserved, or baby dill (see note)

1. For the Cold-Water Soak: In a large bowl, combine 1 gallon (4 liters) cold water with 1 cup salt, stirring to dissolve the salt. Meanwhile, wash cucumbers, then trim off the flower-end (opposite of the stem) using a paring knife. Place cucumbers in cold saltwater bath. Let stand while you prepare the brine.

2. For the Pickling Spice Mix and Brine: In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons mustard seeds with allspice, juniper, turmeric, coriander, cloves, ground ginger, bay leaves, cinnamon, and star anise, if using. Measure out 1 tablespoon pickling spice blend and wrap in either a cheesecloth sachet or metal tea strainer. Reserve remaining pickling spice for a future batch.

3. In a medium stainless-steel saucepan, combine vinegar with 2 cups (475ml) water, 2 tablespoons salt, and sugar, if using (sugar rounds out the sharp vinegar flavor, but is optional and a matter of personal preference). Add spice-mix sachet and set over medium heat, cover, and bring to about 115°F (46°F) (just warm enough to dissolve the salt and sugar and infuse the brine with spice flavor). Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes, then remove and discard spice sachet. Let cool to room temperature.

4. Wash 2 (1-quart) glass canning jars with warm soapy water and rinse well. Divide the sliced onion, garlic, dill, and remaining 2 tablespoons mustard seeds between the two jars, pressing firmly into the bottom.

5. Drain cucumbers. Pack each jar with cucumbers, making sure the cucumbers do not rise above the shoulder of the jar (the curve just under the opening). Pickles should be packed firmly enough that they don't move around at all when the jar is shaken.

6. Pour cooled brine into each jar, making sure cucumbers are completely covered by the brine.

7. Close jars and transfer to refrigerator. Pickles will be ready after 3 weeks, and will keep refrigerated for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment

1-quart glass canning jars, cheesecloth or tea strainer

Notes

Table salt usually has additives in it that can interfere with the formation of a good pickle, so look for "pure" salts or pickling salts that are additive-free.

The size of pickling cucumbers is rated by number. This recipe calls for small "number one" cucumbers; feel free to cut larger cucumbers into spears. It's better to buy extra pickles than to run short, since you will need to pack the jar tightly; you may not need all of them.

Older dill weed, which usually has flowers on it, is best for pickling, but feathery young dill will also work.

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