Sweet Heat Pickles Recipe (Weight Watchers-Friendly)
Sweet Heat Pickles Recipe (Weight Watchers-Friendly)
Ingredients:
1 pound pickling cucumbers, sliced – 0 points
1 cup white vinegar – 0 points
1/2 cup sugar substitute (like Splenda, stevia, or erythritol) – 0 points (using sugar substitute keeps points low)
1/4 cup water – 0 points
1 teaspoon salt – 0 points
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns – 0 points
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – 0 points
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds – 0 points
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds – 0 points
Instructions:
Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the pickling cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds and set aside.
Make the brine: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar substitute, water, salt, peppercorns, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and celery seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar substitute is dissolved.
Pickle the cucumbers: Remove the brine from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Then pour the hot brine over the sliced cucumbers in a heat-safe container (like a glass jar).
Refrigerate: Allow the pickles to cool at room temperature before covering and refrigerating. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 24 hours for the best flavor, but they can be enjoyed after a few hours of chilling.
Yields: About 10 servings
Serving Size: ~1/4 cup
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: ~5
Protein: 0g
Carbs: 1g (due to the sugar substitute, very low)
Fat: 0g
Points: 0 points (Weight Watchers)
Tips:
Sugar Substitute: Using a zero-calorie sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia keeps the recipe zero points, whereas traditional sugar would increase the points value.
Spice Levels: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to your taste. You can also experiment with adding fresh jalapeño slices for extra heat.
Pickling Time: While these pickles can be eaten after a few hours, the flavors intensify if they sit for at least 24 hours. The longer they pickle, the better the taste.
Storage: Store these pickles in the fridge for up to two weeks. They make a great topping for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Benefits:
Low Points: This recipe is a zero-point side or snack option on Weight Watchers, so you can add it to your meals without affecting your daily points budget.
Cucumber Benefits: Cucumbers are hydrating, low in calories, and rich in antioxidants, making them a healthy snack or addition to meals.
Natural Sweetness: Using a sugar substitute helps to maintain the sweetness without adding extra points or carbs, keeping this recipe both Weight Watchers- and keto-friendly.
Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making this a versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Conclusion:
These Sweet Heat Pickles are the perfect low-point, flavorful condiment to spice up your Weight Watchers meals. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors provides a satisfying kick, and since they’re made with a sugar substitute, they remain zero points! Whether you’re adding them to a salad, sandwich, or just enjoying them as a snack, these pickles are a delicious, healthy, and guilt-free way to enhance your dishes while staying on track with your Weight Watchers plan.