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Pickled Okra

Three jars of Southern pickled okra with whole okra pods, garlic, dill seed, mustard seed, and red pepper.

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This pickled okra recipe delivers crisp, tangy pods with fresh dill, garlic, and a touch of heat. Easy to water-bath can, it's perfect for stocking the pantry.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds fresh whole okra, washed and dried

6 fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers, halved lengthwise

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 quart white vinegar

1 1/3 cups water

1/2 cup canning or kosher salt

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 tablespoon mustard seeds

1 1/2 tablespoons dill seeds

6 fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

Prep

  • Wash the okra thoroughly under cool running water and dry well with paper towels.
  • Inspect the okra and trim only if necessary, leaving the caps intact to help keep the pods crisp.
  • Wash and prepare six clean pint-sized canning jars, lids, and bands according to safe canning practices.
  • Divide the minced garlic, pepper halves, and one fresh dill sprig evenly among the jars.

Cook

Assemble

  • Pack the whole okra upright into each prepared jar, fitting the pods together snugly without crushing them.
  • Carefully ladle the hot brine into each jar, covering the vegetables and leaving ¼ inch of headspace at the top.
  • Slide a nonmetallic utensil or butter knife around the inside of each jar to release trapped air bubbles. Add additional brine if needed to maintain the proper headspace.
  • Wipe the rims with a clean, damp towel to remove any residue.
  • Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.

Process

  • Arrange the filled jars on a rack in a boiling-water canner or a deep stockpot.
  • Add enough hot water to cover the jars by about 2 inches.
  • Bring the water to a full rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the jars with a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined countertop.
  • Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours.
  • After cooling, check each lid. A properly sealed lid will be slightly curved downward and should not flex when pressed in the center.
  • Any jar that does not seal should be refrigerated immediately.

Equipment

Notes

Substitutions

  • Use all jalapeños for a milder pickle or all serranos for additional heat.
  • Omit all peppers for a no-spice pickled okra.
  • Fresh garlic can be sliced instead of minced if preferred.
  • Fresh dill heads may be substituted for dill sprigs when available.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

  • Serve alongside barbecue, smoked brisket, fried chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
  • Add to charcuterie boards with cheeses, cured meats, and crackers.
  • Chop and stir into potato salad, pasta salad, or tuna salad for extra tang.

Storage

  • Store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year.
  • Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 to 4 weeks.

••Any jar that fails to seal after processing should be refrigerated and eaten within 1 week.