Tom Havin

Tom’s Pickled Onions

ingredients

Hello.

Today you will learn how to pickle onions. I was reminiscing about my last trip to Israel and how I was eating humus on a beautiful balcony with pickled radishes and onions, and pita. I wanted to recreate that memory. I came across the photo and it just so happens that onions and radishes weren’t pickled, but my mind and heart were set.

Hummus and accompaniments

Here is a step by step guide on how to pickle onions and radishes.
Get your mason jar ready. And before I forget, add some peppercorns and allspice in there now.

ingredients

Ingredients

Onion
Radishes
Dill
Bay leaves
Garlic
Jalapenos
Dried peppers
Allspice
Peppercorn
Salt

Step 1: Slice the onions

I tried cutting onions with a knife, but that was ridiculously hard, inefficient, and made me cry. Worst of all they came out uneven. So I started to use this slicer. Haven’t looked back or sliced any skin off yet.

Step 1

Step 2: Slice Radishes

Can I get you a drink? Because you look radishing.

Step 2

Step 3: Add the Dill

What’s the dill, Tom? I thought this would be hard. Add some dill to the bottom of the jar. Make sure you wash it and cut off any roots and dirty parts. Obviously.

Step 3

Step 4: Add Bay Leaves

I don’t know – 3 or 4 leaves? Leaf me alone – I don’t do measurements.

Step 4

Step 5: Add Garlic

Peeled. Big bulbs cut up into halves. Add a bit. A big bulbs worth.

Step 5

Step 6: Add Onions And Radishes

Here comes the fun part. take a handful of onions, and put them in. Make a fist and press down – not to squeeze the juices out but so all space is taken up. Add the radishes too. Throw in a few dried peppers and your cut up jalapeno.

Step 6

Step 7: Tea

Take a break. You are working hard. Make some tea. Don’t touch your eyes.

Step 7

Step 8: Repeat

Repeat this process, should be 2-3 layers of dill/bay leaves, garlic/jalapenos, and onion/radishes.

Step 8

Step 9: Wash Your Eyes

I told you not to touch your eyes.  I always end up touching my eyes. Especially after handling peppers, onions, and garlic.

Step 9

Step 10: Fill Jar With Water

Step 10

Step 11: Boil Water

Add a bit more, for evaporation.

Step 12

Step 12: Add Salt

When water is at a rolling boil add 2 tablespoons of table salt. I eyeball with actual table spoons. Mix until salt is gone.

Step 12

Step 13: Pour Brine In Jar

Over the sink, add your brine into the jar. Do this slowly as trapped air will float up and you don’t want to shortchange yourself on the brine.

Step 14:  Close & Admire

Seal the jar, and give it a small shake to make sure all bubbles have found their way up.

Clean up

Don’t let your dog help you clean. No matter how cute they are. Onions and garlic are deadly to dogs, and you don’t want them eating jalapenos as well. While we are on the topic, they flatulate if you give them cheese.

Final Words:

The brine will turn pink. Your onions will be pink. Your radishes will be pink. Everything will be pink.
Do not worry about this, the radish’s skin causes this.

Enjoy these pickled items as side dishes to your favorite foods.