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Pickled Frog Balls


  • Total Time: 30 minutes plus 48 hours resting
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Crunchy, tangy refrigerator-pickled Brussels sprouts with garlic, dill, and warm spices. A playful, crowd-pleasing snack that’s bright, zippy, and irresistibly crisp.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cleaned
  • 4 cups white vinegar
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 6 fresh dill sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Sterilize the jars by boiling them for 10 minutes, then let them air dry on a clean towel.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the Brussels sprouts for 4 minutes, then shock in ice water. Drain well and pat dry.
  3. In a separate pot, combine vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer for 2 minutes to dissolve the salt and sugar.
  4. Pack the sprouts tightly into sterilized jars with the garlic cloves and fresh dill sprigs.
  5. Pour the hot brine over the sprouts, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Tap jars gently to release air bubbles and top up with brine as needed to fully submerge.
  6. Seal the jars, let them cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
  7. Rest at least 48 hours before eating for best flavor. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 4 weeks.

Notes

  • Choose small to medium sprouts for optimal crunch and faster flavor absorption.
  • Score a small X in the stem end to help the brine penetrate to the core.
  • Taste and adjust the brine before pouring. A balanced brine should be tangy, lightly salty, and gently sweet.
  • For extra heat, add sliced fresh chiles to the jars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pickles
  • Method: Refrigerator pickling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Pickled Frog Balls, pickled Brussels sprouts, refrigerator pickles, dill pickles, quick pickles, savory snack