Okra, Not Just for Frying

Ingredients

2 pounds young, small to medium okra pods

4 small dried chiles, split in 1/2

2 teaspoons mustard seed

12 sprigs fresh dill

4 cloves whole garlic 

1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

1/4 cup kosher salt

2 cups rice wine vinegar

2 cups distilled water

Special Equipment: 4 pint-sized canning jars, sterilized*

Directions

Wash the okra and trim the stem to 1/2-inch. Place 1 chile, 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 3 sprigs of dill, 1 clove of garlic and 1/4 teaspoon peppercorns in the bottom of each of 4 sterilized pint canning jars. Divide the okra evenly among the 4 jars, standing them up vertically, alternating stems up and down.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the salt, vinegar and water to a boil. Once boiling, pour this mixture over the okra in the jars, leaving space between the top of the liquid and the lid. Seal the lids. Set in a cool dry place for 2 weeks.