Atomic frog balls, or spicy pickled Brussel sprouts, are a delicious and great way to preserve your Brussel sprouts for long term storage!
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When I first told my husband I was going to make Atomic Frog Balls, he gave me the oddest look! However, this delicious and spicy pickled Brussel sprout recipe has become a family favorite! Whether your a fan of Brussel sprouts or not, I encourage you to give this a try!
Ingredients
There are three main parts to this recipe – the Brussel sprouts, the pickling spice, and the brine.
Brussel Sprouts – You’ll need 4-5 pounds of Brussel sprouts cleaned and trimmed.
Apple Cider Vinegar – I like to use a good quality Apple Cider Vinegar in my canning recipes.
Water – To make the brine.
Sea Salt – You will need non-iodized pickling salt for the brine.
Sugar – White granulated sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
Pickling spices – For the pickling spice I use coriander seeds, cumin seeds or ground cumin, chili powder, optional (and I like it with and without), and celery seeds.
Dried Chilies – I can find these in my local grocery store’s produce department.
Garlic Cloves – Depending on how much you like garlic, you’ll need 12-24 cloves, which is about 2 bulbs. I usually add 2-3 cloves per jar depending on the size of my cloves.
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How to Make Atomic Frog Balls
This is a fairly easy canning recipe that takes about an hour.
After you have washed and trimmed your Brussel sprouts, cut any large ones in half and add them to your prepared jars being sure not to over stuff the jars.
Add one dried chili and 1-2 garlic cloves per jar.
In a small bowl, mix the pickling spices together until well combined. Then add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the pickling spices to each jar.
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, salt, and sugar. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the sprouts to about 1/4 inch headspace. De-bubble the jars and add more of the brine, if needed.
Wipe the rims of your jars, add the lids and rings until finger tight.
Place jars in a boiling water bath and water bath for 10 minutes.
Remove the jars and place on a wire rack or towel to cool. Tighten lids, if necessary.
It is recommended to allow the frog balls sit for 2 weeks before eating.
I love serving these Atomic Frog Balls as a side when we grill hamburgers, hot dogs, Sloppy Joes, or Buffalo chicken wings!
Tips & Tricks
There are a few ways to customize your pickled Brussel Sprouts!
For a sweeter frog ball, add an additional 1-2 cups of sugar to the brine.
Not a fan of atomic Brussel sprouts, omit the dried chili pepper!
Add additional garlic! My son loves the pickled garlic cloves from these spicy pickled Brussel Sprouts.
If you have left over brine, use it to pickle some other vegetables like cauliflower, cucumbers or green beans.
Atomic Frog Balls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-5 pounds Brussel Sprouts cleaned
- 7 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
- 7 cups Water
- ½ cup sea salt non-iodized pickling salt
- 4 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2 Tablespoons cumin seeds or ground cumin
- 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder optional
- 3 teaspoons celery seed
- 12 dried chiliies
- 12-24 cloves garlic about 2 bulbs
Instructions
- Cut the cleaned Brussel sprouts in half if large or leave whole, if desired and place in prepared canning jars. Do not over stuff the jars.
- Mix together the coriander seeds, cumin seeds or ground cumin, chili powder, if desired, and the celery seed in a small bowl.
- To the jars add 1 dried chili pepper, 1-2 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning mixing.
- In a large pot over medium heat, mix the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Pour the vinegar mixture over the sprouts in the jars to 1/4 inch head space.
- De-bubble the jars and add more of the vinegar mixture, if needed.
- Wipe the rims and put on lids to finger tight.
- Place jars in a boiling water bath and boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove jars, tighten lids and cool on a wire rack or towel.
- Allow the jars to rest for at least 2 weeks before eating!
- Enjoy!
Notes
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a fun way to serve up Brussel sprouts or have an abundance from your garden, this atomic frog ball recipe is sure to be a hit!
