Pickled Eggs are hard-boiled eggs that have been preserved in a tangy, flavorful vinegar-based brine. This traditional snack is popular in many cultures and can be found in bars, delis, and family kitchens. The eggs absorb the pickling brine, giving them a unique flavor with a balance of sour, savory, and spicy notes. You can experiment with different spices, herbs, and flavorings to customize the pickled eggs to your liking.
Here’s a simple recipe for Pickled Eggs:
Pickled Eggs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1-2 fresh dill sprigs (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Boil the eggs:
- Place the eggs in a large pot and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the eggs simmer for about 9-10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- Once the eggs are done, remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool for at least 5 minutes.
- Peel the eggs carefully once they are cool enough to handle.
2. Prepare the pickling brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar (if using), and salt. Add the garlic cloves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and sliced onion (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the brine. Taste the brine and adjust the seasoning to your preference (adding more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for acidity).
3. Jar the eggs:
- Place the peeled hard-boiled eggs in a clean, sterilized glass jar (or jars if making a smaller batch).
- Add fresh dill sprigs (if using) to the jar for extra flavor.
4. Pour the brine over the eggs:
- Once the brine has cooled slightly, pour it over the eggs, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. If necessary, you can use a clean weight or a piece of parchment paper to hold the eggs down and keep them submerged.
5. Seal and refrigerate:
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 3 days to allow the eggs to fully absorb the pickling brine. The flavor will develop more over time, and the eggs can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Tips:
- Adjusting the flavor: Feel free to customize the pickling brine by adding other spices such as coriander seeds, cloves, or even a few slices of jalapeño for a spicier kick.
- Serving ideas: Pickled eggs are great as a snack on their own or can be served with other appetizers like charcuterie, or alongside salads and sandwiches.
- Color variations: If you'd like to add a bit of color to your eggs, you can experiment with beet juice in the brine, which will give the eggs a vibrant pink hue.
Pickled eggs are a tangy and satisfying snack that’s easy to make and lasts a long time in the fridge. They are a perfect way to preserve eggs and enjoy a delicious, homemade treat.