Go Back

Pickles to down a Russian drone

It was originally reported that a Ukrainian grandma downed a Russian drone by throwing a jar of cucumber pickles. Subsequently it was revealed that it was, in fact, a jar of pickled tomatoes. Pickles are very Ukrainian and it seems a particularly good weapon with which to combat an invader. I've stuck to cucumbers as they are easier to find than green tomatoes. These are quickly made and a wonderfully tonic side dish for any meal or even in soup. I've also read that Ukrainians dip the cucumbers in honey and eat them like that!
If you have access to oak leaves or blackcurrant leaves, add them as it will add crunchiness.
Course: Pickles
Cuisine: Ukranian
Keyword: Cucumbers, Pickles, Quick pickles, Ukranian pickles

Equipment

  • 1 litre Ball or Kilner jar

Ingredients

  • 800 g mini cucumbers, washed, quartered lengthways
  • 5 cloves garlic, sliced
  • bunch large fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 100 ml white vinegar
  • 50 g untreated sea salt
  • 1 tsp peppercorns
  • 1 small red chilli, chopped
  • honey to dip (optional)

Instructions

  • Sterilise a one litre jar either by running it through a dishwasher/ clean thoroughly in boiling water or putting it in a hot oven for 15 minutes.
  • Chop the dill and add to the clean jar along with the bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns, chilli.
  • Add the cucumbers, the vinegar and salt.
  • Top up with water and seal. Leave for a few hours then keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.