Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

• 1 Tbsp Pickling spice, or combine:

  1.  1 teaspoon black peppercorns

  2.  1 teaspoon mustard seeds

  3.  1 bay leaf

  4.  1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)

Directions

1.  Prepare the Onions:

   • Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin for uniform slices.

2.  Make the Brine:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add any optional flavorings you like. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar and salt have dissolved.

3.  Pack the Onions:

   • Place the sliced onions in a clean, heatproof jar (such as a mason jar). If you’re using additional flavorings, add them to the jar with the onions.

4.  Pour the Brine:

   • Carefully pour the hot brine over the onions, making sure they are fully submerged. Use a spoon to press the onions down if needed. Let the jar cool to room temperature.

5.  Pickle:

   • Once the jar has cooled, cover it with a lid and refrigerate. The onions will be ready to eat in about 30 minutes, but they taste even better after a few hours. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

• Uniform Slices: For the best texture, try to slice the onions as uniformly as possible. This ensures even pickling.

• Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness. 

• Vinegar Variations: Apple cider vinegar gives a nice depth of flavor, but you can use white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even rice vinegar for different taste profiles.

• Extra Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.