Dill Pickle Chips

Pickling gives crisp, mellow vegetables spunky personality. Kirby cucumbers, which are small and unwaxed, making them perfect for pickling, are seasoned with dill and garlic. Salting the cucumbers helps draw out excess water, ensuring crisp results.

2 lb Kirby cucumbers
3 Tbsp. coarse sea salt
3 cups water
2 cups white vinegar
1 Tbsp. dill seed
4 cloves garlic
2 bunches fresh dill, coarsely chopped

Cut the cucumbers into ½” thick rounds, and transfer to a colander set in a bowl. Toss well with salt.

Refrigerate cucumber rounds 1 hour.

Rinse cucumber rounds well; drain. Pat dry between paper towels. Transfer cucumber slices to a large bowl.

Bring 3 cups water, vinegar, dill seed, and garlic to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring. Reduce heat; simmer 4 minutes. Let mixture cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

Add chopped dill to cucumber slices, and toss to combine. Pour in the brine. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Transfer mixture to airtight containers, and refrigerate at least 1 week (pickles will keep 3 weeks more).

Makes 2 quarts.