Dill Pickled Eggs

When the hens are laying and you have plenty of eggs try making these yummy dill pickled eggs. This recipe is from Trisha, creator of the marvellous Naturally By Tricia, Healing Balms that we sell.

Dill pickled eggs will last in the fridge for up to 4 months making them a fantastic protein filled snack for hungry kids after school.

When the chooks are in full-on laying mode I give away trays and trays of eggs to whomever crosses my path but this year I want to store some as well. I’ve pickled my first batch and if the whānau enjoy them I’ll be making lots more. On researching pickling eggs nearly everyone says it’s unsafe to preserve with an airtight seal to store on the shelf. I’ve previously eaten eggs that have been airtight sealed and I understand that the Amish have been doing this for many a year no problems. If you make them unsealed they can last in the fridge for 4 months. Most people do this. I’m planning on doing both.

I’ll be taking you through the process of making Dill Pickled Eggs. There’s also famously golden eggs using turmeric and pink eggs using beetroot. Those are next on the agenda and the moko’s are looking forward to making these with me as soon as we have enough eggs. From what I understand you can use many different spices depending on your taste.

There are a few different things good to know before you start. You must use vinegar that has no less than 5% acidity. White vinegar or a mix of cider vinegar and white is preferred. You will need about 10 good sized eggs for a one litre jar and 2 cups of the brine for a one litre jar.

Dill Pickled Eggs

Ingredients for 1 litre jar; 10 average sized fresh eggs, 1 cup vinegar (white or white and cider), 1 cup water, 2 Tbsp plain salt (not iodised), 2Tbsp sugar, 1/2 onion chopped, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds, 1 tsp coriander seed, 1 tsp dill seed, 1 tsp celery seed, 1 tsp chilli flakes, 1 tsp whole black peppercorns and a few sprigs of fresh dill if you have it.

Method: Wash and STEAM your eggs. This is by far the best way to cook the eggs as the shell with come away easily and you won’t get chunks of the white sticking to the shell. If this happens you can’t use them in the recipe so best to prepare a few extra just in case. The damaged ones disappeared into the moko’s mouths. Place gently in the steamer and steam for 15 minutes. Rinse under cold water or add some ice to cool.

In a pot make up your brine solution with the water, vinegar, salt and sugar.

Bring to the boil dissolving the salt and sugar and leave aside. Cover your one litre jar(s) with hot water and boil for 15 minutes to sterilise.

Then carefully peel the eggs, rinse and leave aside. Assemble the chopped garlic, onion and selection of spices.

Remove your hot clean jar(s) from the pan and place the onions and garlic on the bottom. place some eggs over the onions and sprinkle the spices over these as you make more layers to the top of the jar.