No-Sugar Quick-Pickled Vegetables

This version of pickled vegetables is a great way for all the random vegeta-
bles in the refrigerator to come together as a nice, crunchy side dish. You
can use any vegetables you have on hand, as long as you end up with about
2 quarts. I love when our children fish for their favorite vegetables in the
colorful mason jar!

Yield: 2 quarts (2 L) In a saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, pickling

2 cups (480 mL) spring water spice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down
2 cups (480 mL) apple cider vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes.
2 tablespoons (36 g) Pickling Spice Mix Sterilize one half-gallon, two 1-quart, or four 1-pint
(opposite) (2 L, 1 L, or 0.5 L) jars. Distribute the vegetable pieces
1 tablespoon fine sea salt evenly into your jar(s). Pour the brine over the vegeta-
8 cups (1.9 L) bite-size pieces bles, leaving about 1/2 inch (13 mm) headspace at the top.
of vegetables, such as: Allow to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at
• 2 small carrots, peeled and least 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
cut into matchsticks or coins
• 1 small head cauliflower, trimmed
and cut into small florets
• 1 celery rib, sliced
• 10 snow peas
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and
cut into matchsticks

98 || The Nourishing Asian Kitchen

 Pickling Spice Mix

I put together this pickling spice mix as a timesaver to have on hand when
you want to clear out the fridge and make quick meals. There are other
options you can use for pickling spices; feel free to swap out some from the
list below for a different flavor profile.

Yield: about 1/2 cup (145 g) Combine all the ingredients in a small jar, cover, and
2 tablespoons (36 g) yellow mustard seed store at room temperature for up to 1 year.
2 tablespoons (36 g) dill seed
2 tablespoons (36 g) coriander pods
1 tablespoon allspice berries
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Optional add-ins: cinnamon sticks (cut into
small pieces), fennel seed, dried ginger,
star anise, black peppercorns

Vegetables and Sides || 99