Description
Sweet Yellow Squash Pickles are a delightful tangy and sweet preserve made from thinly sliced yellow squash and onions, soaked in a flavorful vinegar and spice brine. Perfect as a crunchy condiment or side dish, these pickles combine the warmth of cinnamon and cloves with the zest of mustard and celery seeds for a uniquely spiced taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups thinly sliced yellow squash
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
Pickling Brine
- 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the yellow squash and onion; then set aside.
- Combine brine ingredients: In a large pot, mix together vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ground cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
- Boil the brine: Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally to fully dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Cook vegetables in brine: Add the sliced squash and onion to the boiling brine and cook for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pack jars: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the squash and onion into sterilized jars, packing them tightly.
- Fill jars with brine: Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables in the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Seal and cool: Seal the jars with lids and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Refrigerate and develop flavor: Place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving; they taste best after 3 days of marinating.
Notes
- Ensure jars are sterilized properly to increase shelf life and maintain safety.
- Adjust sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet pickle.
- Optional spices like cloves and cinnamon add warmth—but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler flavor.
- Store pickles refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks for best quality.
- Use thin slices for quicker marinating and crisper texture.
