Spicy Pickled Garlic Scapes (Printable View)
Tangy garlic scapes pickled with chili in aromatic vinegar brine for a crunchy, bold condiment.
# What You Need:
→ Garlic Scapes
01 - 2 large bunches fresh garlic scapes, trimmed and cut to fit jars (approximately 10-12 ounces)
→ Vinegar Brine
02 - 1 cup distilled white vinegar
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt
→ Spices & Flavorings
06 - 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
07 - 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
08 - 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
09 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
10 - 2 small dried chilies, whole or sliced
11 - 2 bay leaves
12 - 4 sprigs fresh dill
# How-To Steps:
01 - Wash pint jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and sterilize by boiling for 10 minutes or running through a complete dishwasher cycle.
02 - Trim the ends of garlic scapes and cut to match the height of your jars, curling stems as needed to fit snugly inside.
03 - Distribute garlic scapes, fresh dill sprigs, and dried chilies evenly between the two prepared jars.
04 - Divide peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves equally between both jars.
05 - Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously until sugar and salt completely dissolve.
06 - Carefully pour hot brine over packed scapes, ensuring complete submersion while maintaining 1/2 inch headspace below the jar rim.
07 - Secure jars with lids and allow to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before consuming. Flavor development continues to improve over one week of pickling.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These pickles keep their satisfying crunch for weeks unlike soft cucumber pickles
- The heat builds slowly making each bite more addictive than the last
02 -
- These really need at least 48 hours to develop their full flavor though waiting a week is even better
- Always use clean utensils when removing pickles from the jar to prevent spoilage
03 -
- Cut your scapes at an angle for maximum surface area exposure to the brine
- Toast the whole spices in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding for deeper flavor