Lebanese pickles, also known as "mechshi" in Arabic, are a staple in Lebanese cuisine. These pickles are a delicious and tangy addition to any meal and are often served as a side dish or as a topping for sandwiches and wraps. They are made using a variety of vegetables such as cucumbers, turnips, and carrots, and are pickled in a brine of vinegar, water, and spices. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Lebanese pickles recipe and explore the steps to make them at home.
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Minced Garlic, Pickle, Dried Dill, Red
Who doesn't love a good pickle? These crispy dill pickles are the perfect side dish to accompany your beer can chicken. The tangy and salty flavors of the pickles perfectly complement the juicy and flavorful chicken. Plus, they add a nice crunch to your meal. This recipe is easy to make and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Old Fashion Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Water, White Vinegar, Pickling Salt, Cucumbers, Garlic
If you prefer a more traditional dill pickle, this recipe is for you. These old fashioned refrigerator dill pickles are crunchy, tangy, and full of flavor. They are also easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, making them the perfect snack to have on hand for your beer can chicken meals.
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Bread and Butter Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickling Cucumbers, Onions, Pickling Salt, Vinegar
Switch things up with these sweet and tangy bread and butter pickles. The combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices gives these pickles a unique and delicious flavor that pairs well with the savory flavors of beer can chicken. They also add a pop of color to your plate, making for a visually appealing meal.
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Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickle Slices, Almond Flour, Garlic Powder, Pepper, Sea
If you're a fan of fried foods, you have to try these air fryer fried pickles. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles but still have that crispy and crunchy texture you crave. Serve them as an appetizer before your beer can chicken or as a side dish for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Old-Fashioned Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Celery Seed, Dried
Another old-fashioned pickle recipe, but this time with a sweet twist. These sweet refrigerator pickles are made with cucumbers, sugar, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a deliciously sweet and tangy pickle that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. These pickles are also great for snacking on their own.
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Garlic Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Water, Vinegar, Canning Salt, Fresh Dill
Garlic lovers, this one's for you. These garlic dill pickles are bursting with flavor and add a bold kick to your beer can chicken meal. The combination of garlic, dill, and vinegar creates a delicious and savory pickle that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
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Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickling Spice, Cider Vinegar, White Vinegar
Simple yet classic, these dill pickles are a must-try for any beer can chicken meal. The recipe calls for fresh dill, garlic, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and crunchy pickle that will elevate your chicken dish. They are also great for snacking on at any time of the day.
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How to Make Perfectly Crunchy Homemade Dill Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickling Cucumbers, Water, Vinegar, Pickling Salt
If you've ever tried making pickles at home and ended up with soggy or limp pickles, this recipe is for you. Learn how to make perfectly crunchy homemade dill pickles with this step-by-step guide. You'll never have to settle for store-bought pickles again.
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Buttermilk Fried Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickles, Cake Flour, Buttermilk, Paprika, Cayenne
Buttermilk adds a tangy and creamy twist to these fried pickles. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Serve them up with a side of ranch dressing for the ultimate indulgence.
Main Ingredients: Turnips, Beets, Garlic, Water, White Vinegar, Pickling
Take your taste buds on a trip to the Middle East with these Lebanese pickles. These pickled turnips are bright pink in color and add a unique and tangy flavor to your beer can chicken meal. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate, making for a visually appealing dish.
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Fried Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickles, Ipa, Flour, Vegetable Oil, Garlic Powder
For those who can't get enough of fried pickles, here's another recipe to add to your collection. These fried pickles are coated in a crispy and flavorful batter, making them the ultimate snack to enjoy with your beer can chicken. Serve them up as an appetizer or side dish for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Horseradish Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickles, Sugar, Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Pickling
Add a spicy kick to your beer can chicken meal with these horseradish pickles. The combination of horseradish, garlic, and dill gives these pickles a unique and bold flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling. They are also great for snacking on their own.
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Easy Fried Pickles
Main Ingredients: Egg, Milk, All Purpose Flour, Worcestershire Sauce, All
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some fried pickles with your beer can chicken, this recipe is for you. These easy fried pickles can be made in just 15 minutes and require minimal ingredients. They are a quick and delicious way to elevate your chicken dish.
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Sweet Sassy Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickles, Whole Dill Pickles, White Vinegar, Pickle
Sweet and sassy, these pickles are a great addition to any beer can chicken meal. They are made with cucumbers, bell peppers, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and crunchy pickle that will leave your taste buds wanting more. They are also great for snacking on at any time of the day.
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Spicy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Cloves, Garlic, Onion, Dill Seed, Salt
Looking for a pickle with a bit of a kick? These spicy garlic dill refrigerator pickles are the perfect choice. They are made with jalapenos, garlic, and dill, giving them a spicy and savory flavor that pairs well with beer can chicken. They are also easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
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Oven “Fried” Pickles with Skinny Herb Buttermilk Ranch...
Main Ingredients: Pickles, Panko Crumbs, Cornmeal, Flour, Smoked Paprika
If you're trying to cut back on fried foods but still want to enjoy some fried pickles, this recipe is for you. These oven "fried" pickles are a healthier alternative and are just as delicious. Serve them with a side of skinny herb buttermilk ranch dressing for an added burst of flavor.
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Deviled Eggs
Main Ingredients: Hard Boiled Eggs, Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard, Salt
Deviled eggs are a classic side dish that pairs well with any meal, including beer can chicken. This recipe adds a twist to the traditional deviled eggs by adding bacon and chives, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or side dish.
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Drunken Pickles
Main Ingredients: Pickle Juice, Pickles, Whiskey, Hot Sauce, Dill
Take your pickles to the next level with this recipe for drunken pickles. These pickles are soaked in a mixture of beer, vinegar, and spices, creating a unique and tangy flavor that pairs well with beer can chicken. They are also great for snacking on their own.
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Keto Big Mac Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayo, Mustard, Pickles, White Vinegar, Minced Onion
For those following a keto diet, this recipe is a must-try. This Big Mac salad is a low-carb and healthy alternative to the popular fast-food burger. It is made with ground beef, lettuce, pickles, and a homemade Big Mac sauce, making it a delicious and guilt-free meal to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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DIY Popeyes Chicken Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Buttermilk, Garlic
Love the famous Popeyes chicken sandwich but don't want to wait in line or spend money on takeout? Make your own at home with this DIY recipe. It's a tasty and satisfying meal to enjoy with your beer can chicken, and you can customize it to your liking.
The Ingredients
To make Lebanese pickles, you will need:
1. Vegetables
Use fresh vegetables for the best taste and texture. Cucumbers, turnips, and carrots are the most commonly used, but you can also add other vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and green beans. Make sure to wash and dry the vegetables before pickling them.
2. Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in the pickling process. It helps to draw out the moisture from the vegetables, ensuring a crisp and crunchy texture.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar is the main ingredient in the brine and gives the pickles their tangy flavor. You can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar.
4. Water
Water is used to dilute the vinegar and create the brine. It is recommended to use filtered water for the best results.
5. Spices
Spices are what give Lebanese pickles their unique and delicious flavor. You can use a combination of cumin, coriander, bay leaves, garlic, and chili peppers for a traditional taste. Feel free to experiment with different spices to find your preferred flavor profile.
The Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and peel the vegetables, if desired. Cut them into thin slices or small cubes, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Salt the Vegetables
Place the vegetables in a large bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Toss gently to make sure all the vegetables are coated with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to release their moisture.
Step 3: Prepare the Brine
In a large pot, combine equal parts of vinegar and water. Add your chosen spices and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Pickle the Vegetables
Drain the salted vegetables and rinse them well with water to remove excess salt. Place them in a clean and sterilized jar, and pour the hot brine over them, making sure all the vegetables are fully submerged.
Step 5: Seal and Store
Let the jar cool down to room temperature, then seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks before consuming to allow the flavors to develop.
Enjoy Your Homemade Lebanese Pickles!
Now that you know the traditional Lebanese pickles recipe, you can easily make these delicious pickles at home. The best part is that you can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables and spices. Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a tasty snack, either way, these pickles are sure to become a family favorite.
