Quick Tangy Pickled Carrot Spears (Printable Version)

Tangy carrot spears soaked in a flavorful brine, ready quickly for snacking or sides.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into spears

→ Brine

02 - 1 cup distilled white vinegar
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt

→ Aromatics & Spices

06 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
07 - 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
08 - 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
09 - 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 2 sprigs fresh dill (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place the carrot spears vertically into a clean quart-size glass jar. Nestle garlic, dill, and all spices evenly around the carrots.
02 - Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar and salt fully dissolve and the brine simmers.
03 - Carefully pour the hot brine into the jar, fully submerging the carrot spears and spices.
04 - Allow the jar to cool to room temperature uncovered, then seal tightly with the lid.
05 - Chill the jar in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for quick pickles; for optimal flavor, refrigerate 24 hours. Store refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The satisfying snap of a cold carrot spear that tastes like it came from a fancy deli, but you made it in ten minutes.
  • You can taste them in an hour or wait a day for deeper flavor, so impatience and planning both win.
  • They turn boring lunches into something you actually look forward to eating.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the jar before sealing it, or you'll end up with a sad, diluted brine from all the trapped steam.
  • If your carrots float, they're either too thin or the jar is too wide, so pack them tighter or use a smaller jar next time.
03 -
  • Cut your carrot spears to fit the height of the jar with about half an inch of space at the top, so the brine can cover them without overflowing.
  • If you like a sweeter pickle, add an extra tablespoon of sugar, or if you want more bite, throw in another quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
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