I’ve decided to do Rafs Special Pickles as a completely separate post instead of junking up the Paleo Chino Sandwich recipe. It is a great condiment and a snack on its own. I have always been a big fan of pickles. Not like Mickey D’s nasty burger pickles but whole pickles. I remember back in middle school, the cafeteria always sold these giant extra spicy pickles. They were the best. I always saved my lunch money or brought extra change to school just so I can buy one. They charged an arm and a leg for them. They were just wholesale pickles wrapped in tin foil and they charged us over $1 for them. They were crooks! Anyhow, without blabbering much more, I’m going to show you how I make fast and easy Rafs Special Pickles.
Rafs Special Pickles:
6 – Pickling Cucumbers (Sliced into ¼ inch coins)
2 Cloves – Garlic (Minced)
2 Tbsp – Fine Sea Salt
½ Cup – Distilled White Vinegar
Juice – 1 Lime
Zest of 1 Lime
1 Tbsp – Southwest Mustard
1 Tbsp – Organic Wild Honey
½ Tsp – Dill
½ Tsp – Red Pepper Flakes
¼ Tsp – Smoked Paprika
Fresh Ground Black Pepper – To Taste
Before I go too far into Rafs Special Pickles, let’s talk about the cucumbers. You can use Persian cucumbers or regular mini seedless cucumbers. Both are fine, but I really love the Persian Cucumbers. I totally cheated and used a mandoline slicer to slice the cucumbers. It really helps the thickness of the slices consistent and it is SO MUCH FASTER! Just be careful not to accidentally slice your digits while using the mandoline. Mix the cucumber slices with the 2 tbsp of salt and let it sit for an hour. The salt will draw out a lot of the moisture in the cucumbers. Rinse the salt off the cucumbers and drain off any excess water. With your hands, squeeze the the cucumbers like you are wringing a towel. Get as much moisture out of the cucumbers as you can.
Transfer the cucumbers into a jar, and add the rest of the ingredients. Allow Rafs Special Pickles to marinate for an hour or so and they will be ready for consumption. They are not like your regular jarred pickles. They taste a lot more green and fresh. Just a very, very refreshing feel and very crunchy. That being said, they are a perfect match with the Chino Sandwich. There you have it. Until next time, eat up my friends!
