Updated on April 9th, 2023
Cornichons are pickled cucumbers made in the French style that has recently become quite popular. In the kitchen, they’re a must-have. It’s around 1-2 inches long and has a crunchy texture and a wonderfully acidic and sour flavor. They’re usually served cold with a spread of bread, cheeses, salads, and meats, but they may also be diced and used in other dishes like tartar sauce.
Although pickled cucumbers in the French manner have resurfaced in recent years, cornichon alternatives are still required in the kitchen. If cornichons aren’t available in your area, or your supply runs out, and you’re the type who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, but a lot less time at the grocery store, this article is for you. It contains all the necessary answers to some of your most pressing questions about finding the best substitutes for baby dill pickles.
Cornichons Nutrition Facts
What is Cornichons?
Cornichons are produced from a special kind of gherkins that are smaller than the store varieties. The gherkins used to make cornichons are not genuine cucumbers, despite their resemblance. They’re plucked when they’re still very young when they’re just an inch or two long and have a rough texture.
The gherkins are first cured in salt overnight, which helps drain part of the liquid before being soaked in vinegar overnight. The gherkins and vinegar are then sealed in jars with herbs and aromatics like tarragon, cloves, bay leaves, thyme, and pearl onions after the vinegar has been brought to a simmer cooled.
The gherkins produce a firmer, sharper cornichon in a similar curing procedure that uses the same ingredients but does not need cooking. However, calling them a garnish or condiment fails to communicate how vital they are to a typical charcuterie platter.
Cornichon Uses in Recipes
Chopped cornichons are used in various cuisines, including beef stroganoff and steak tartare, as well as cold meals like egg salad and potato salad.
Cornichons are a crucial element in the charcuterie sauce and go well with pig meals like grilled pork chops. It’s a traditional pork sauce that starts with chopped onion sautéed in butter or lard, adds vinegar and demi-glace, reduces, and is finished with julienned cornichons.
You may also just put them on a toothpick and serve them as part of a classic relish plate, which is a hybrid between a crudité platter and an antipasto plate. They go well with deviled eggs as well.
Cornichons Substitutes
Pickled cucumbers in the French manner have recently become quite popular. In the kitchen, they’re a must-have. Cornichon alternatives are still required in the kitchen if there aren’t any available.
Cornichons are around 1-2 inches long and have a wonderfully acidic and sour taste as well as a crunchy texture. They’re usually served cold with a spread of bread, cheeses, salads, and meats, but they may also be diced and used in other dishes like tartar sauce.
Knowing the most acceptable cornichon replacements is essential if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen but a lot less time at your local market.
Zucchini
Cucumbers may be treated similarly to zucchinis. The zucchini and cornichon are both gourd family members (Cucurbitaceae), but zucchini is thicker and less wet than cucumbers.
Chutney
There are a variety of chutneys that will tickle your taste buds and be a perfect companion to both plain and rich dishes if you’re looking for something tangy, sour, or sweet to go with your cheese and crackers.
White Vinegar
If just the sharp zest is needed in a dish, some white vinegar might be used for taste. However, keep in mind the different textures and adjust the recipe to cover the additional liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a difference between gherkins and cornichons?
Gherkin is derived from the early modern Dutch words gurken or augurken, which means “little pickled cucumber.” Cornichons are tangy French pickles made with gherkins and tarragon pickled in vinegar. They’re usually served with pâtés and cold meats.
Are capers and cornichons the same thing?
Capers are used in various classic Mediterranean cuisines to give a salty, fragrant, somewhat pickled intensity. While cornichons, on the other hand, cornichons are little pickled gherkins traditionally served alongside tartare, pate, and other French delicacies.
Is a cornichon the same as a cucumber?
Cornichons are pickled cucumbers from a tiny cucumber type. Smaller than gherkins. They’re frequently served with smoked fish or pork and are rather excellent.
Conclusion
Enjoy these cornichon substitutes for a delicious supper. They’re worth a shot. They must be kept in one’s kitchen to ensure that one does not lose out on the flavor if cornichons are unavailable. Indeed, having these substitutions on hand while cooking would come in handy, as one would not want to compromise on the quality of one’s meals.
