Dill Pickles

📜 Collection: Burcea Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Hilda | 📂 Category: Preserves A classic, crisp homemade dill pickle recipe passed down from Hilda, featuring a simple brine with garlic, dill, and alum for crunch. Perfect for preserving a fresh harvest of cucumbers.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins15 mins12 hours8 pint jars

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Canning jars
  • Lids and bands
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

Soaking

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 peckCucumberswashed
4 quartsWaterNone
1/2 cupSaltNone

Brine

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
3 quartsWaterNone
1 quartVinegarNone
1 cupSaltNone

Jar Aromatics & Additives

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
To tasteDillfresh sprigs
1 clove per jarGarlicreferred to as ‘1 section’
To tasteOnionoptional alternative or addition
1/4 tsp. per jarAlumfor crispness

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Soak

  1. Wash the 1 peck cucumbers thoroughly.
  2. Soak the cucumbers overnight in a mixture of 4 quarts water and 1/2 cup salt.

Step 2: Prepare Brine and Pack Jars

  1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts water, 1 quart vinegar, and 1 cup salt to a rolling boil.
  2. Pack the soaked cucumbers tightly into clean canning jars.
  3. Add dill, 1 clove garlic (or onion), and 1/4 tsp. alum to each jar.
  4. Pour the boiling hot brine over the pickles in the jars, leaving appropriate headspace, and seal immediately.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Allow the pickles to cure for at least 3 to 4 weeks before opening to develop full flavor.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card