Nashville hot fried pickles

Step 1

In a large bowl, toss the cucumbers and onion with the pickling salt, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Step 2

After 2 hours, thoroughly rinse the cucumbers and onion to remove any excess salt. Transfer to a clean large bowl.

Step 3

Make the pickling spice mix: In a small bowl, mix together the yellow and brown mustard seeds, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes, and celery seeds.

Step 4

Make the pickles: Scoop 2 tablespoons of the pickling spice mix into each of 3 16-ounce mason jars. Add 2 cinnamon stick halves, 1 habanero, 2 sprigs of dill, and 3 cloves of garlic to each jar. Divide the cucumbers and onion between the jars, packing tightly.

Step 5

In a small pot, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sugar has dissolved, 5–7 minutes. Transfer the pickling liquid to a heatproof measuring cup.

Step 6

Carefully pour the pickling liquid into each jar, leaving ½ inch of headspace at the top. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the cucumbers and onion until completely submerged.

Step 7

Tightly screw the lids onto the jars and let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, then transfer to the refrigerator overnight, or up to 2 weeks.

Step 8

Make the comeback sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 week.

Step 9

Make the Nashville spice mix: In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and black pepper. Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature until ready to use. The spice mixture will keep for up to 6 months.

Step 10

Fry the pickles: In a medium pan fitted with a deep fry thermometer, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (180°C). Set a wire rack over a baking sheet or paper towels.

Step 11

Drain the pickles, discarding the pickling liquid and removing any lingering pickling spices, onion, and garlic.

Step 12

In a shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of the Nashville spice mix.

Step 13

In a separate shallow dish, stir together the bread crumbs and ½ tablespoon of the Nashville spice mix.

Step 14

Dip the pickles in the buttermilk mixture, then transfer to the bread crumbs, using your hands to pat the crumbs into each slice until fully coated.

Step 15

Working in batches, fry the pickles in the hot oil for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown all over. Transfer to the wire rack and season with kosher salt. Reserve 1 cup of the frying oil.

Step 16

In a medium, heatproof bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of the Nashville spice mix, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and the reserved frying oil. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.

Step 17

Brush the hot oil mixture over the fried pickles. Transfer to a platter and serve with the comeback sauce for dipping.

Step 18

Enjoy!