Description
This Pickled Cherry Tomatoes recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to preserve the freshness of cherry tomatoes. Marinated in a tangy brine of vinegar, water, sugar, and spices, these pickled tomatoes develop a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors. Perfect as a zesty snack, appetizer, or addition to salads and sandwiches, this easy recipe requires minimal preparation and only 15 minutes of active time before refrigeration for pickling.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickled Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Using a toothpick or skewer, prick each tomato once to allow the pickling brine to penetrate and flavor the fruit evenly.
- Layer Ingredients in Jar: Pack the tomatoes tightly into a clean glass jar. Layer in smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes if using, mustard seeds, fresh dill sprigs, and the bay leaf between the tomatoes to distribute the spices and herbs throughout.
- Make the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil while stirring continuously until the sugar and salt have fully dissolved.
- Add Brine to Jar: Carefully pour the hot brine over the packed cherry tomatoes in the jar, ensuring all tomatoes are fully submerged to promote even pickling and prevent spoilage.
- Cool and Seal: Allow the jar and contents to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar tightly with a lid and place it in the refrigerator.
- Pickling Time: Let the tomatoes pickle in the fridge for at least 24 hours before serving. For best flavor, allow them to sit for 3 to 5 days to fully develop their tangy, savory taste. Serve chilled as a snack or garnish.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Pricking the tomatoes helps the brine to penetrate deeply, enhancing the pickling process.
- The pickles will keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
- These pickled tomatoes are delicious in salads, sandwiches, or as part of a charcuterie board.
