Name: Cucumber Apple Pickle
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 day (includes pickling time)
Yield: Makes about 1 quart
Ingredients: 1/2 pound Japanese or Kirby cucumbers; 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt; 1/2 Fuji or Granny Smith apple; 2 cups water; 1/3 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned) or cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon very thin matchsticks of peeled ginger; 1/4 cup sugar; Pinch of Korean hot red-pepper threads (optional)

Image may contain Plant Food Produce Squash Vegetable and Zucchini

Cucumber Apple PickleRoland Bello

Korean tables—both in restaurants and at home—are always set with a series of banchan, or little dishes that can be eaten alone, with rice, or as an accompaniment to the main course. To keep things lively, banchan should run the gamut of tastes and textures, and this particular pickle really sparkles: It is sweet, tart, crisp, and fresh. Salting the sliced cucumbers and then squeezing out their excess water allows them to fully soak up the pickling mixture.

Cooks' note:

Pickles keep, chilled, 3 days.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.