Quick Pickles with Pink Peppercorns

, from Issue #44. August, 2015
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Quick Pickles with Pink Peppercorns

A mandolin is great for slicing vegetables thinly and is a piece of equipment that I use frequently in my kitchen. Serve the pickles with salmon, ham, salami or other meats – it’s also a great accompaniment to terrines and rillettes.

INGREDIENTS

Pickling liquid
zest and juice 1 lemon
1 small clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons pink peppercorns
sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Vegetables
4 radishes
1 Lebanese cucumber
1 small fennel bulb, feathery tops reserved
1 stalk celery
1 carrot, peeled

METHOD

Pickle: Whisk all the ingredients in a large bowl and season generously.

Vegetables: Using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, slice all the vegetables very thinly and toss with the pickling mixture. Transfer to a serving jar or bowl and top with the reserved fennel tops. Best served the day of making. Makes about 2 cups

Pantry note: Pink peppercorns originated in Peru, where some Amazon tribes made them into beer. With a fruitier bite than black peppercorns, they go well with cheese and can also be used in desserts. Available from good food stores.