The Answer Is Pickles

The recent weekend provided an opportunity to indulge in a Glen Powell romantic comedy double bill: “Anyone but You” (a regrettable expenditure of Columbia Pictures’ budget and personal time) and “Set It Up” (a tribute to the genre).

Glen Powell Rom-coms and the Power of the Pickle

In the latter film, Powell and Zoey Deutch, portraying two assistants frequently hounded by their tyrannical supervisors, decide to split a takeout order—consisting of a burger with a pickle and macaroni and cheese—into two parts to ensure neither boss goes without. “This pickle is my supper!” Deutch protests, but Powell audaciously claims it. He argues that a pickle is essential for a sandwich.

However, from the elevator, he shouts, “Do you recall that pickle? The aforementioned pickle? That wasn’t for my supervisor; that was mine.” He bites into it and shows a mischievous smile. A delectable pickle can indeed lead one astray!

The Versatility of Pickles in Culinary Delights

While enthusiasts of sour and sweet flavors might be drawn to pickle-flavored snacks like chips, almonds, falafel, popcorn, and pizza, true pickle connoisseurs understand that pickles can elevate a dish. Hetty Lui McKinnon, for example, is likely one of these experts. Her pasta salad recipe, which includes copious amounts of pickle brine and sliced pickles, is a testament to this.

From Sandwiches to Soups: Pickles’ Prowess

It would be an oversight not to mention freshly fried tofu alongside Superiority Burger’s crispy fried-tofu sandwich, often regarded as the pinnacle of pickle-infused dishes. Seasoned with pickle brine, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and chili flakes, the tofu is then topped with additional pickles. The resulting sandwich is remarkably similar to a classic marinade-brined fried chicken sandwich.

Or consider saving your pickle brine for soup, such as the Polish ogórkowa zupa. Many Polish chefs have unique takes on pickle soup. In Kasia Pilat’s version, a robust combination of root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, celery root, parsnips) is enriched with grated sour dill pickles and their pickle brine.

Innovative Pickle Substitutions

• Pickles can also serve as a substitute for fresh dill. This clever swap is exemplified in Ali’s green bean salad with dill pickles and feta. “Using dill pickles instead of dill adds acidity, crunch, and zest to the classic combination,” she notes.
• You might already incorporate pickles into your salads and sandwiches. However, let me recommend trying Andy Baraghani’s pickle biscuits, which gain tenderness from the brine’s acidity. Alternatively, indulge in Heather Rush’s tart and refreshing pickle brine margaritas, derived from Nikita Richardson’s recipe. These creations have the potential to convert anyone into a dedicated pickle enthusiast.