Acar timun (Indonesian pickled cucumber)

These Indonesian pickles are easy to make, with a nice crunch and tasty flavor.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 Persian cucumber (or similar small cucumber, or 1/2 English cucumber)
• 1/2 carrot (small/medium)
• 2 shallots (small, or 1 if larger)
• 1 Bird's eye or other chili (optional, or more/less)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup hot water ((best if just boiled) or a little less, if you prefer stronger)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or can use white vinegar)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Cut the cucumber in half then half again lengthwise. Cut off the seeds from the middle of each piece, then chop into relatively shall chunks.
2. 2Peel the carrot and cut into small dice, a similar size to the pieces of cucumber or slightly smaller. Peel and dice the shallots in similar size. If you are using chili, remove the seeds and stem then cut in small slices.
3. 3Divide the vegetables between two jars, with similar amounts of each in each jar, or place all in a large jar.
4. 4Add the sugar and salt to the hot water and stir to dissolve. Add the vinegar and mix in then pour the mixture over the vegetables, dividing evenly if in two jars. Stir to mix or cover with a lid and shake gently. You can either after it rests around 15 minutes, or store in the fridge for a couple days for later use.