Lazy-Day Pickles

From EatingWell: July/August 1998 — Subscribe Now!

The combination of green zucchini and yellow summer squash make attractive pickles.

About 6 cups

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 4 days

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

1 pound zucchini, (2 medium), cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 pound yellow squash, (2 medium), cut into 1/4-inch slices
3 medium onions, sliced
2 tablespoons plus 3/4 teaspoon pickling salt, divided (see Note)
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Preparation

Combine zucchini, squash, onions, 2 tablespoons salt and ice in a large bowl. Place a plate on the vegetables and weight it with a 5-pound object, such as a bag of sugar. Let stand at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours.
Drain vegetables in a colander. Do not rinse.
Combine vinegar, brown sugar, water, mustard seeds, cloves, turmeric, cinnamon stick, celery seeds, crushed red pepper, drained vegetables and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat.
Transfer vegetables and liquid to a 2-quart glass or ceramic bowl or jar. Cool to room temperature; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 days to allow flavors to develop.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

Note: Pickling salt, also called canning salt, produces a clear brine. Do not substitute any other salt.

Nutrition

Per 1/4-cup serving: 31 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 1 g fiber; 3 mg sodium; 127 mg potassium.

Exchanges: 1/2 other carbohydrate