Half Sour Pickles (Malosol’nie Ogurci)

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Kirby Cucumbers (organic, about a dozen, 4‑5 inches long, ends trimmed)
• 5 cloves Garlic (peeled, sliced)
• 1 bunch Fresh Dill (chopped roughly)
• 1 tablespoon Black Peppercorns (whole)
• 1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds (whole seeds)
• 6 leaves Dried Bay Leaves (helps keep cucumbers crunchy)
• 3 tablespoons Kosher Salt (for 6 cups water; adjust if using different water volume)
• 6 cups Water (cold, filtered to avoid chlorine)
• 5 slices Apple (optional) (thin slices, adds subtle sweetness)
• 2 pieces Chili Peppers (optional) (sliced, for heat)

Instructions

1. Cold Soak Cucumbers

   Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, place them in a large bowl of cold water with ice cubes, and let them soak for about 2 hours. This cold soak locks in crunchiness.

   Time: PT2H

   Temperature: 4°C

2. Trim the Ends

   After soaking, remove the cucumbers from the water, pat dry, and cut off both ends of each cucumber. This removes the blossom end that can cause softening during fermentation.

   Time: PT5M

3. Pack the Jar

   Place half of the chopped dill, a few bay leaves, half of the sliced garlic, half of the coriander seeds, peppercorns, and optional apple slices at the bottom of the jar. Pack the cucumbers tightly, standing them upright if possible, then add the remaining dill, garlic, coriander, and any extra spices on top.

   Time: PT10M

4. Prepare the Brine

   In a separate container, dissolve 3 tablespoons kosher salt in 6 cups cold filtered water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 4°C

5. Add Brine and Seal

   Pour the cold brine over the packed cucumbers, ensuring they are fully covered. Close the jar tightly with its lid.

   Time: PT5M

6. Ferment in the Refrigerator

   Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator for 3 days. The cold environment creates a half‑sour pickle that stays crunchy.

   Time: PT0M

   Temperature: 4°C

7. Serve

   Remove the jar from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then enjoy the pickles as a snack, side, or with vodka.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

5

Protein

0.3 g

Carbohydrates

1 g

Fat

0 g

Fiber

0.5 g