Beer-Pickled Vegetables
Source: Adam Dulye, Monk’s Kettle and Abbott’s Cellar
Recipe Type: Appetizers and Sides | Seasons: Autumn, Summer
This recipe was demonstrated for CUESA’s Market to Table program on February 9, 2013.
Makes enough to fill 3 pint jars
INGREDIENTS
1½ cups water
1½ cups distilled vinegar
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons Kosher salt
2 tablespoons pickling spice
1 Fresno chile, sliced (to make hotter, increase to 3 chiles or substitute 1 habanero)
6 cloves garlic
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 pounds assorted market vegetables, cut into bite-sized pieces (see below for combinations)
1 tablespoon dill (optional)
1 tablespoon rosemary (optional)
½ cup beer
Suggested beer and produce combinations:
Pale ale/IPA: cucumbers, apples, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, onions, grapes
Wheat/wit: cucumbers, fennel, grapes, apples, peaches
Stout/porter: cucumbers, grapes, cherries, berries
PREPARATION
1. The most important part of the pickling process is to wash all produce and jars or containers well. Once all produce and containers are clean, begin the recipe.
2. Combine all the pickling liquid ingredients except the beer in a pot and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let cool. Add the beer.
3. Divide the produce between the jars and cover with at least 1 inch of pickling liquid. Place the lids on the jars, let the vegetables pickle for at least two hours before eating. Store in the refrigerator. They are best after one week and will keep for up to four months refrigerated.
