Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Pickled Green Onions: A Tangy Delight!
Pickled green onions are a culinary marvel, offering a vibrant burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch that elevates any dish. Whether you’re topping tacos, adding zest to salads, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these tangy delights are incredibly versatile. This recipe, inspired by the renowned food preservationist Mrs. Wheelbarrow (otherwise known as Cathy Barrow), is a testament to the simple pleasures of preserving fresh produce. Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s version stands out due to its delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes, making it a must-try for any pickling enthusiast. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey as we delve into the step-by-step process of creating these delectable pickled green onions.
Why Pickled Green Onions?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s appreciate why pickled green onions are a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire:
* **Flavor Boost:** They add a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to dishes, cutting through richness and adding complexity.
* **Versatility:** Use them as a condiment, garnish, or ingredient in various recipes.
* **Preservation:** Pickling extends the shelf life of fresh green onions, allowing you to enjoy them long after their peak season.
* **Easy to Make:** The pickling process is relatively simple and requires minimal equipment.
* **Health Benefits:** Pickled onions retain some of the nutritional benefits of fresh onions and offer probiotic advantages from the fermentation process.
The Inspiration: Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Pickling Prowess
Cathy Barrow, widely known as Mrs. Wheelbarrow, is a celebrated author and expert in food preservation. Her passion for preserving seasonal bounty has inspired countless home cooks to embrace the art of pickling, canning, and fermenting. Her recipes are known for their reliability, clarity, and exceptional flavor profiles. This pickled green onion recipe is adapted from her teachings, incorporating her signature techniques and flavor combinations to create a truly exceptional product.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s pickled green onions, gather the following ingredients:
* **Fresh Green Onions:** 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (white and light green parts)
* **White Vinegar:** 1 1/2 cups (5% acidity)
* **Water:** 1/2 cup
* **Sugar:** 1/4 cup
* **Kosher Salt:** 2 tablespoons
* **Mustard Seeds:** 1 tablespoon
* **Black Peppercorns:** 1 teaspoon
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
* **Garlic Cloves:** 2-3 cloves, smashed
* **Bay Leaves:** 2-3 (optional, for added flavor)
Ingredient Notes:
* **Green Onions:** Choose firm, fresh green onions with vibrant green tops. Avoid onions that are wilted or slimy.
* **White Vinegar:** Use a good-quality white vinegar with 5% acidity for optimal pickling.
* **Salt:** Kosher salt is preferred for its pure flavor and consistent grain size. Avoid using iodized salt, as it can affect the flavor and color of the pickled onions.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar is typically used, but you can experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of mustard seeds, peppercorns, and red pepper flakes to your liking. Feel free to add other spices like coriander seeds or dill seeds for a unique twist.
* **Garlic:** Smashed garlic cloves infuse the pickling brine with a subtle garlic flavor. You can also add thinly sliced garlic for a stronger garlic taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Sterilized Jars:** 2-3 pint-sized jars with lids and rings
* **Large Stainless Steel Pot:** For heating the brine
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the green onions and garlic
* **Tongs or Slotted Spoon:** For transferring the green onions to the jars
* **Jar Lifter (Optional):** For safely handling hot jars
* **Bubble Popper/Headspace Tool (Optional):** For removing air bubbles and ensuring proper headspace
Sterilizing Jars: Ensuring Safety
Sterilizing your jars is crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure the safety of your pickled green onions. Here are a few methods for sterilizing jars:
* **Boiling Water Bath:** This is the most common method. Place the jars in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the jars and let them air dry on a clean towel.
* **Dishwasher:** If your dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle, you can use it to sterilize the jars. Place the jars in the dishwasher and run the sanitizing cycle.
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the clean jars on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the jars cool slightly before handling.
Regardless of the method you choose, sterilize the lids and rings by simmering them in hot (but not boiling) water for 10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: pickling those green onions! Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s pickled green onions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Green Onions**
* Rinse the green onions thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
* Trim the root ends and the dark green tops, leaving only the white and light green parts.
* Cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces.
**Step 2: Prepare the Brine**
* In a large stainless steel pot, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt.
* Add the mustard seeds, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes (if using), smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves (if using).
* Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
* Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
**Step 3: Pack the Jars**
* Carefully pack the prepared green onions into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
* Distribute the spices and garlic cloves evenly among the jars.
**Step 4: Pour the Brine**
* Carefully pour the hot brine over the green onions in each jar, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
* Use a bubble popper or clean utensil to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jars.
* Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills.
**Step 5: Seal the Jars**
* Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the rings until fingertip tight (not too tight, as air needs to escape during processing).
**Step 6: Process in a Boiling Water Bath (Optional but Recommended for Long-Term Storage)**
* If you plan to store the pickled green onions at room temperature for more than a few weeks, processing them in a boiling water bath is recommended to ensure long-term preservation.
* Place a canning rack in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
* Bring the water to a boil.
* Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water bath using a jar lifter.
* Ensure the jars are not touching each other or the sides of the pot.
* Process the jars for 10 minutes.
* Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes before removing them.
* Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water bath and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool.
**Step 7: Cool and Check the Seals**
* Let the jars cool completely for 12-24 hours.
* As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
* After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or pop back up, it’s properly sealed.
* If any jars didn’t seal properly, you can reprocess them with new lids or store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few weeks.
Tips for Success
To ensure your pickled green onions turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your pickled onions. Choose fresh, high-quality green onions and spices.
* **Don’t Overpack the Jars:** Leave enough headspace in the jars to allow for proper sealing and prevent spoilage.
* **Remove Air Bubbles:** Trapped air bubbles can interfere with the sealing process and increase the risk of spoilage. Use a bubble popper or clean utensil to release any trapped air.
* **Tighten Rings Fingertip Tight:** Overtightening the rings can prevent air from escaping during processing, leading to jar breakage.
* **Be Patient:** Allow the pickled onions to sit for at least a week before tasting them to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Serving Suggestions
Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s pickled green onions are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Taco Topping:** Add a tangy crunch to your favorite tacos.
* **Salad Garnish:** Sprinkle pickled onions over salads for a burst of flavor.
* **Sandwich Addition:** Layer them on sandwiches and wraps for extra zing.
* **Charcuterie Board Accompaniment:** Include them on a charcuterie board for a savory and tangy element.
* **Soup Garnish:** Garnish soups with pickled onions for added flavor and texture.
* **Snack:** Enjoy them straight from the jar as a tangy and refreshing snack.
* **Cocktail Garnish:** Use them to garnish cocktails like Bloody Marys or Martinis.
Variations and Adaptations
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to customize your pickled green onions. Here are a few variations to try:
* **Spicy Pickled Green Onions:** Add more red pepper flakes or a few sliced jalapeños to the brine for a spicier kick.
* **Sweet and Sour Pickled Green Onions:** Increase the amount of sugar in the brine or add a splash of rice vinegar for a sweeter and more sour flavor.
* **Dill Pickled Green Onions:** Add fresh dill sprigs to the jars for a classic dill pickle flavor.
* **Ginger Pickled Green Onions:** Add thinly sliced ginger to the brine for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Soy Sauce Pickled Green Onions:** Substitute some of the white vinegar with soy sauce for a savory and umami-rich flavor.
Storage Instructions
* **Unopened Jars:** Properly processed and sealed jars of pickled green onions can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
* **Opened Jars:** Once opened, store pickled green onions in the refrigerator and use them within a few weeks.
Troubleshooting
* **Soft Pickled Onions:** This can be caused by using too little vinegar or salt in the brine. Ensure you are using the correct proportions of ingredients.
* **Cloudy Brine:** A cloudy brine can be caused by using iodized salt or hard water. Use kosher salt and filtered water for best results.
* **Mold Growth:** Mold growth indicates spoilage. Discard any jars with signs of mold.
* **Jars Not Sealing:** This can be caused by improper filling, dirty jar rims, or worn-out lids. Ensure you are following the instructions carefully and using new lids.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, varies based on exact ingredients)
* Calories: 20-30
* Fat: 0g
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-7g
* Sugar: 3-5g
Conclusion: A Flavorful Preservation Project
Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s pickled green onions are a delightful and versatile addition to any kitchen. With their tangy flavor and satisfying crunch, they’re sure to become a favorite condiment and ingredient. So, gather your ingredients, sterilize your jars, and embark on this flavorful preservation project. You’ll be rewarded with a batch of delicious pickled green onions that will elevate your meals and impress your friends and family.
Happy pickling!