Makes 4 pints
Small zucchini (about 1 inch in diameter) make the best pickles, but overgrown ones can make satisfactory pickles if they are halved, seeded, then cut into half-rings. I prefer to use the dill heads before they are completely mature and dry because of their soft flavor and appearance.
• 2 pounds small zucchini
• 2 medium onions
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• Ice water
• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed
• 4 dill heads or 1/4 cup dill seed
• 4 or 5 garlic cloves, sliced thin
• 1 bunch dill leaves, large stems removed
Trim the ends from the zucchini and slice about 3/8 inch thick. Halve the onions lengthwise, then slice them crosswise about 1/4 inch thick. Layer the vegetables in a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowl, sprinkling each layer with salt. Cover with ice water. Place a plate on top of the vegetables and a weight on the plate. Let stand for 2 hours.
Drain the zucchini and onions and rinse well. Drain again while you prepare the pickling liquid.
Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, and mustard in a large nonreactive pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat, add the dill heads or seed and the zucchini and onions, and cover. Let the mixture stand for 2 hours, tossing occasionally.
Meanwhile, fill a canning kettle with enough water to cover pint jars and bring the water to a boil. Sterilize four pint jars and scald four lids and rings.
Bring the zucchini mixture to a boil in its pan and stir in the garlic and dill leaves. Ladle into hot, sterilized pint jars. Cover with lids and rings and process in the boiling water bath according to manufacturer’s directions for 10 minutes at sea level. Store the pickles for a week at room temperature before using. If any jars do not seal, store them in the refrigerator and use the contents within 2 weeks.
Note: If you live 1000-3000 feet above sea level, increase the length of time in the boiling water bath by 5 minutes. Increase time by 10 minutes at 3000-6000 feet, 15 minutes at 6000- 8000 feet, and 20 minutes above 8000 feet.
For more recipes from A Cook’s Notes on Dill,click here.
