Russian-Style Lightly Salted Cucumbers

Crisp, garlicky pickles made for summer

These are not pickles meant to last through the winter. They are summer pickles - lightly salted, wonderfully crisp, and made to be enjoyed while cucumbers are at their best.

In Russian kitchens, lightly salted cucumbers are one of those simple pleasures that signal summer has arrived. They spend just a short time in a simple brine, absorbing the flavors of garlic, dill, and spices while keeping their fresh crunch.

Serve them alongside potatoes, add them to a summer sandwich or burger, or simply reach into the jar whenever you want something crisp, cold, and wonderfully savory.

And the best part? They keep changing as they sit in the refrigerator. The longer they stay, the more pronounced their salty, garlicky flavor becomes - so you get to decide when they are just right for you.

Ingredients

Makes 1 jar

• 500 g small cucumbers, such as Kirby or cornichons

• 500 ml water

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

• 2–3 large garlic cloves, sliced

• 5–6 black peppercorns

• 1–2 bay leaves

• 2–3 fresh dill stems

• ½ tsp coriander seeds

• ½ tsp mustard seeds

How to Make

1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. For faster salting, trim the ends of the cucumbers

2. Place the dill stems and sliced garlic on the bottom of a clean glass jar. Pack the cucumbers into the jar

3. Bring the water to a boil with the salt, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds

4. Let the brine cool to room temperature, then pour it over the cucumbers until they are completely covered

5. Close the jar and leave it at room temperature for about 12 hours

6. Transfer the jar to the refrigerator. The cucumbers should be ready to eat after about 24 hours, although they will continue to develop a deeper flavor as they sit

A little tip

The amount of brine you need can vary depending on the size of your cucumbers and the shape of your jar.

Here's an easy way to find out exactly how much you need: pack the cucumbers into the jar, fill it with plain water, then pour the water into a measuring cup.

If you need more than 500 ml, simply increase the salt and sugar proportionally.

Yes, a little mathematics may be required. But I promise, it's worth it.

Another way is to prepare 1 liter of brine. In this case you should double the amount of salt and sugar.

Serving Ideas

• With boiled or roasted potatoes

• Alongside grilled meats

• Sliced into summer sandwiches

• Added to burgers

• Straight from the refrigerator, with absolutely no explanation needed