Jewish delis have been a staple in the American food scene for over a century, serving up classic dishes like pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup. But one of the unsung heroes of the Jewish deli menu is the pickle. These tangy and crunchy delights are a beloved accompaniment to any deli meal, and making them at home is easier than you may think. In this article, we will explore the history of the Jewish deli pickle and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Dill Pickles, Deli Ham, Ranch Seasoning
Looking for a delicious and unique dip to serve at your next party or gathering? Look no further than this mouthwatering Dill Pickle Dip! Made with tangy pickles, cream cheese, and a variety of flavorful herbs and spices, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite chips or veggies for a tasty and unforgettable appetizer.
2of 20
Ham & Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-ups
Main Ingredients: Deli Ham, Cream Cheese, Pickles
These Ham & Cream Cheese Pickle Roll-ups are the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors. Thinly sliced deli ham is spread with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and dill pickles, then rolled up and sliced into bite-sized pieces. They're easy to make and great for a quick snack or party appetizer. You'll love the delicious and unexpected flavors in every bite.
3of 20
All-American Cheeseburger
Main Ingredients: Ground Chuck, Onion Powder, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
Take your classic cheeseburger to the next level with this All-American Cheeseburger recipe. The secret ingredient? Dill pickles! These tangy and crunchy pickles add the perfect flavor and texture to this juicy burger. Top it off with your favorite cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments for a truly unforgettable burger experience.
4of 20
Buffalo Chicken Pickle Bites
Main Ingredients: Chicken Deli Meat, Pickle, Multi Grain Crackers
If you love the spicy and tangy flavors of buffalo chicken, then you have to try these Buffalo Chicken Pickle Bites. These bite-sized appetizers are made with crispy chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and crunchy dill pickles. They're perfect for game day or any party and are guaranteed to be a hit with your guests.
5of 20
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Shell Pasta, Pickles, Cheddar Cheese, White Onion
Pasta salad gets a tangy and delicious twist with this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad. It's a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, crunchy pickles, and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal. It's a unique way to enjoy the classic flavors of dill pickles.
6of 20
Dill Pickle Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, White Onion, Baby Carrots, Russet
Yes, you read that right – dill pickle soup! If you're a pickle lover, you have to try this unique and flavorful soup. It's made with creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a variety of herbs and spices. This soup is perfect for chilly nights and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give it a try and see for yourself!
7of 20
Baked Pickle Chips
Main Ingredients: Pickle, Eggs, Buffalo Sauce, Bread Crumbs, Garlic Salt
Skip the deep fryer and try these Baked Pickle Chips instead. They're just as crispy and delicious as the fried version, but healthier! These chips are coated in a flavorful breading and baked to perfection. Serve them as a tasty appetizer or snack, and don't forget to dip them in your favorite sauce for even more flavor.
8of 20
Old Time Favorite- Mustard Pickle
Main Ingredients: Pickle, Pickling Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Onions, Salt
Bring back a classic with this Old Time Favorite Mustard Pickle recipe. These tangy and crunchy pickles are made with a flavorful blend of mustard, turmeric, and other spices. They're perfect for adding to sandwiches, salads, or snacking on straight from the jar. Once you try these homemade pickles, you'll never go back to store-bought.
9of 20
Cuban Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Yellow Mustard, Deli Turkey, Deli Ham
Put a twist on traditional sliders with these delicious Cuban Sliders. These mini sandwiches are filled with layers of ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and dill pickles. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a quick and easy dinner. The combination of flavors in these sliders is sure to impress everyone who tries them.
10of 20
Sandwich Sushi
Main Ingredients: Sourdough Bread, Nutella, Strawberry, Peanut Butter
Transform your boring sandwiches into fun and creative Sandwich Sushi rolls. Simply spread your favorite sandwich toppings onto a tortilla, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Add dill pickles for a unique and delicious twist. These sushi rolls are perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a fun snack for kids.
11of 20
Cheese Board Making 101 {a.k.a. How To Make A Cheese...
Main Ingredients: Brie, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Stilton, Goat Cheese
Impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious Cheese Board at your next party. This Cheese Board Making 101 guide will teach you everything you need to know to create the perfect cheese board, including how to pair cheeses with dill pickles for a tasty and unexpected flavor combination. Your guests will love sampling all the different flavors and textures on the board.
12of 20
Dill Pickle Spears
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, White Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Pickling Spice
Sometimes, simple is best. These Dill Pickle Spears are a classic and easy way to enjoy the tangy and crunchy flavor of dill pickles. Simply slice up some cucumbers and let them sit in a flavorful brine for a few days. The result is perfectly pickled spears that are great for snacking, adding to sandwiches, or serving alongside your favorite dishes.
13of 20
Deviled Eggs
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard, Salt
Deviled eggs get a tangy and flavorful twist with the addition of dill pickles. These Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs are a unique and delicious appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. The creamy filling is made with tangy pickles, mayo, and a variety of herbs and spices. These deviled eggs are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
14of 20
BETTER-THAN-THE-DELI REUBEN SANDWICHES
Main Ingredients: Butter, Rye Bread, Sliced Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese
If you love Reuben sandwiches, you have to try this BETTER-THAN-THE-DELI version. This sandwich is filled with all the classic ingredients – corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing – plus the addition of dill pickles for a burst of tangy flavor. Grilling the sandwich makes it even more delicious and perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
15of 20
Keto Big Mac Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayo, Mustard, Pickles, White Vinegar, Minced Onion
Craving a Big Mac but trying to stick to your Keto diet? This Keto Big Mac Salad is the perfect solution. It has all the flavors of a Big Mac – beef, cheese, pickles, and special sauce – but in a healthier and low-carb form. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that will satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet.
16of 20
Easy for Ham and Dill Pickle Appetizer Bites
Main Ingredients: Dill Pickles, Ham Slices, Light Cream Cheese
These Easy Ham and Dill Pickle Appetizer Bites are a quick and tasty snack that's perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced ham is spread with cream cheese and topped with a dill pickle slice, then rolled up and sliced into bite-sized pieces. They're great for parties, potlucks, or as a quick and easy snack.
17of 20
Nellikkai Pickle-Amla-Gooseberry Pickle
Main Ingredients: Gooseberries, Pickle, Salt, Cooking Oil, Mustard Seeds
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, you have to try this Nellikkai Pickle, also known as Amla or Gooseberry Pickle. It's a tangy and spicy pickle that's made by marinating gooseberry in a flavorful blend of spices and oil. This pickle is a great accompaniment to any Indian meal and adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
18of 20
DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Buttermilk, Garlic
Skip the long lines at Popeyes and make your own DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich at home. This sandwich is made with a crispy and flavorful chicken breast, topped with pickles, and served on a buttery brioche bun. It's a delicious and easy way to enjoy the popular sandwich without leaving your house.
19of 20
Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos with Dill Pickle Slaw
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Combine two of your favorite dishes – Nashville Hot Chicken and tacos – in this mouthwatering recipe for Nashville Hot Chicken Tacos with Dill Pickle Slaw. The crispy and spicy chicken is paired with a tangy and crunchy slaw made with dill pickles, creating a delicious and unique flavor combination. These tacos are perfect for a fun and flavorful meal.
20of 20
Crispy Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Minced Garlic, Pickle, Dried Dill, Red
The History of the Jewish Deli Pickle
The Jewish deli pickle has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when Eastern European immigrants brought their pickling traditions to America. These pickles were typically made with cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and dill, and were a popular snack among the Jewish community. They were also a practical and affordable way to preserve vegetables for the long winter months.
As Jewish delis began to pop up in cities like New York and Chicago, the pickle became a staple on their menus. These pickles were often served as a complimentary side dish alongside the main meal, and customers could even purchase them in bulk to take home.
The Secret to the Perfect Jewish Deli Pickle
So what makes a Jewish deli pickle so special? The secret lies in the pickling process. Traditional deli pickles are made through a process called lacto-fermentation. This method involves using salt and water to create an environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive, resulting in a tangy and sour pickle with a distinct crunch.
To achieve this, it's important to use fresh, crisp cucumbers and a brine made with kosher salt, water, and pickling spices. The pickles are then left to ferment for several weeks, allowing the flavors to develop and the pickles to become infused with the tangy brine.
Pro tip: For an extra kick of flavor, try adding garlic, dill, or even hot peppers to your brine mixture.
Making Your Own Jewish Deli Pickles
Now that you know the history and secret to the perfect Jewish deli pickle, it's time to try making them yourself. While the fermentation process may take a few weeks, the actual preparation is quite simple. Follow these steps for delicious homemade Jewish deli pickles:
1. Start by washing and slicing your cucumbers into spears or chips.
2. In a large jar, mix together 1 quart of water and 3 tablespoons of kosher salt until dissolved.
3. Add in pickling spices (such as mustard seeds, coriander, and dill) and any other desired flavorings.
4. Place the cucumbers in the jar, making sure they are fully submerged in the brine.
5. Cover the jar with a lid or cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature for 3-4 days, checking for any mold growth.
6. After a few days, transfer the jar to the refrigerator and let it continue to ferment for 2-3 weeks.
7. Enjoy your homemade Jewish deli pickles as a snack or as a side dish with your favorite deli meal.
With this simple recipe, you can bring the taste of a traditional Jewish deli pickle into your own home. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade pickling skills?
In Conclusion
The Jewish deli pickle may be a humble side dish, but it holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of deli-goers everywhere. By understanding its history and using the proper pickling technique, you can create your own delicious and authentic Jewish deli pickles at home. So next time you visit your local deli, remember to give a nod of appreciation to the unsung hero of the menu – the pickle.
