Description
Delight in the tangy and flavorful Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, a quick and easy recipe perfect for adding a burst of brightness to your meals. These cherry tomatoes are pricked to absorb a zesty brine made with vinegar, sugar, garlic, and a blend of spices, then refrigerated to develop their delicious pickled taste within a day or two.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickling Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Using a toothpick or a skewer, prick each tomato once to allow the pickling brine to penetrate effectively.
- Layer Ingredients in Jar: Pack the pricked tomatoes into a clean glass jar. Layer in the garlic cloves, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes (if using), mustard seeds, fresh dill sprigs, and the bay leaf evenly among the tomatoes.
- Make the Pickling Brine: In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
- Pour Brine Over Tomatoes: Carefully pour the hot brine over the tomatoes and herbs in the jar, ensuring the tomatoes are fully submerged to promote even pickling.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid. Place the jar in the refrigerator to chill.
- Pickling Time: Let the tomatoes pickle for at least 24 hours for a mild flavor. For optimal taste, allow them to sit for 3 to 5 days before enjoying chilled as a vibrant, tangy snack or accompaniment.
Notes
- Pricking the tomatoes helps the brine penetrate better, enhancing the flavor infusion.
- Use a clean, sterilized jar to ensure safety and prolong shelf life.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit if you prefer no spice.
- The pickled cherry tomatoes keep well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Delicious as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
