Name: Pickled Okra Pods
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh small okra pods, washed and stems trimmed (leave caps intact); 2 cups white vinegar; 2 cups water; 2 tablespoons pickling salt or kosher salt; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 6 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed; 2 sprigs fresh dill; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 bay leaves; 2 small jalapeños, sliced; 1 teaspoon dill seed; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Thin strips of lemon peel

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything required to make a full batch of Pickled Okra Pods.

For the okra:

- 2 lbs fresh small okra pods, washed and stems trimmed (leave caps intact)

For the brine:

- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups water

2 tablespoons pickling salt or kosher salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Aromatics and spices:

- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh dill
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme

- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 bay leaves

Optional flavor add-ins:

- 2 small jalapeños, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dill seed

1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Thin strips of lemon peel

Instructions

Making Pickled Okra Pods is a straightforward process, and following these steps closely will help ensure the best possible texture and flavor.

Step 1: Wash the Okra

Wash the okra thoroughly under cold water and pat it completely dry.

Step 2: Trim the Stems

Trim only the very tips of the stems, leaving the caps intact to help prevent the pods from becoming slimy.

Step 3: Pack the Jars

Pack the okra vertically into one large glass jar, or two quart-sized sterilized jars, fitting the pods snugly together.

Step 4: Add the Aromatics and Spices

Divide the garlic, dill, thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, celery seeds, and any optional flavor add-ins evenly among the jars.

Step 5: Build the Brine

In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, pickling salt, and sugar.

Step 6: Heat Gently

Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar have completely dissolved. Do not allow the brine to boil vigorously.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the brine cool for about 5 minutes before pouring it over the okra.

Step 8: Pour Over the Okra

Carefully pour the warm brine over the okra until all the pods are fully submerged. Use a pickle weight or another food-safe weight if necessary to keep the okra beneath the surface of the brine.

Step 9: Cool and Seal

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Seal tightly and refrigerate.

Step 10: Wait for the Best Flavor

Refrigerate for at least 5 days before serving. For the best flavor and texture, allow the okra to pickle for 7 to 10 days, giving the brine time to fully penetrate each pod.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10
Calories: Approximately 30 per serving