Tables during football parties and fall gatherings tend to be filled with wonderful dishes that are usually heavy, fried, and/or cream based…  I encourage you to change it up with this pickled dish.  Everyone loves a good pickle – therefore why not spruce things up with some color and a powerful taste?  Also, this dish is vegetarian, gluten-free, kosher, and dairy-free for your guests who may follow certain dietary specifications.

One of the ingredients utilized in the dish for the ‘pickling’ was mustard seeds derived from mustard plants which are sparse looking yellow dandelion-like delicate flowers.  The flowers can be added to a bouquet for color and variety, or they can be matured to form brown pods which hold the seeds and are removed before they can further ripen/burst.  The mustard plant leaves and stems are also edible like any other greens.

When added to the pickled mixture the seeds add a nutty taste to the dish.  There are several variations to the seeds – those white and brown in color are commonly used for pickling.  These seeds may be little but they pack quite a punch.  The seeds are filled with phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant properties.  Notable benefits include their high content of essential oils and plant sterols which may play a role in lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Ingredients:

• 3 cucumbers; thinly sliced
• 1 small, sweet yellow onion; sliced, diced, and slivered into various sizes
• 1 cup, white vinegar
• 2 tsp brown mustard seeds, whole
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup mango, diced or chunks
• 1 cup yellow/red/green bell peppers; minced (variety is optional)
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 avocado, diced

Methodology:

1. In a medium saucepan over high heat combine the pickling ingredients, brown mustard seeds, sugar, coconut oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar, then bring to a boil.  (If you prefer your onions cooked like I do – add the onions to the pickling ingredients otherwise they can be added later.)
2. Remove the pickled mixture from heat and set aside for 20-30 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, peppers, mango, and onions (if not cooked in step 1).
4. Stir the pickled mixture into the large bowl with the cucumbers.
5. Chill mixture for a minimum of 3 hours to overnight for a delicious yet tangy taste.
6. Prior to serving add the diced avocado into the mixture and toss.
7. Time to get pickled!

xxx – Sarah