Pickled Onion, Lemon, and Ginger
Full Recipe:
This tangy and flavorful pickle combines the sharpness of onions, the zest of lemons, and the warming spice of ginger. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals while providing digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare, and the ingredients have natural health-promoting properties.
Ingredients:
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
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1-2 inches of fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
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2 cups apple cider vinegar
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1 cup water
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1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
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1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the ingredients: Slice the red onion, lemon, and ginger thinly, ensuring they are all uniform in size for even pickling.
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Sterilize the jar: If using a mason jar, sterilize it by boiling it in hot water for a few minutes or washing it in the dishwasher.
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Layer the ingredients: Layer the sliced onions, lemon, and ginger in the jar, alternating between them for an even distribution of flavor.
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Make the pickling liquid: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and honey or sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat once the sweetener has dissolved.
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Pour the liquid over the ingredients: Pour the hot pickling liquid over the layered ingredients in the jar. Ensure that all the ingredients are submerged. If needed, press the ingredients down with a spoon.
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Seal and refrigerate: Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours before serving. The pickles can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Description: This Pickled Onion, Lemon, and Ginger recipe is a quick, flavorful addition to any meal. The tangy pickles are excellent on salads, sandwiches, grilled meats, or even as a snack on their own. The combination of lemon and ginger adds a zesty and spicy kick, while the onion brings a sharp yet sweet flavor to balance the acidity.
Notes:
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The sweetness from the honey or sugar is optional, so feel free to adjust the amount or leave it out entirely for a more savory taste.
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If you want to increase the flavors, you can add a few whole spices like peppercorns or mustard seeds to the jar.
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You can also use white vinegar or rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar, but apple cider vinegar is preferred for its health benefits.
Tips:
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For extra flavor, let the pickles sit for 2-3 days before consuming to allow the flavors to fully develop.
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The pickled onions can be used as a topping for tacos, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
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Always use a clean spoon to remove the pickles from the jar to keep them fresh longer.
Servings: This recipe makes about 1 jar of pickles, which serves approximately 6-8 people as a side dish or topping.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approximately):
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Calories: 15-20 (depends on sweetener used)
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Carbs: 4g
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g (if honey or sugar is used)
Benefits:
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Onions provide antioxidants and are known to support heart health.
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Lemon is rich in vitamin C and helps with digestion.
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Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, and can help with nausea.
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The apple cider vinegar used in the pickling liquid may help with blood sugar control and promote gut health.
Q/A for the Recipe:
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Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
Yes, you can, but red onion gives the pickle a slightly milder flavor and a beautiful color. -
How long do these pickles last in the fridge?
These pickles can last for up to 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. -
Can I make this recipe without sweetener?
Yes, the pickles will still be tangy and flavorful without the added sweetener, making them a more savory dish.