Buzz
A well-made half-sour dill pickle can be the solution to many of life’s problems, especially when it comes to adding that perfect touch to a meal—usually a sandwich. Pickles come in various forms—whole, spears, chips, and flats—so you can pick the type that best complements your dish. While there’s no single ‘right’ way to enjoy pickles, there's certainly a smarter approach to ensuring the best sandwich experience. The secret? Shaving them.
Indeed, there are pickles specifically designed for sandwiches, sliced lengthwise so they sit neatly flat on the bread. While this method works fine, shaved pickles fit even better. But that’s not the reason I started shaving my pickles. I did it because, for once, I just wanted a subtle pickle presence.
I was preparing an egg salad sandwich and thought a small touch of pickle would be perfect. I only buy whole pickles so I can slice them however I want. At first, I used a knife to make the thinnest slices possible, anticipating the slippery pickles might slide out of my sandwich. Frustrated by the thick slices I was getting, I finally grabbed my vegetable peeler.
The shavings from the pickle were flawless—thin, light, and ribbon-like. I wanted only a subtle pickle flavor in my sandwich, so just a few shavings were enough. Unlike pre-sliced pickles, these ribbons provided ample coverage, giving each bite a slight tangy kick, and they stayed in place as I ate.
How to achieve the thinnest slices for your pickles
To get the best leverage, hold one end of the pickle while pressing the other end down onto your cutting board. Then, use your other hand to peel along its length with a vegetable peeler. Continue until you’ve made as many slices as you want, and place any remaining pickle back into the brine. I recommend using a speed peeler or a y-peeler for this task, as the angle works better for me.
Shaved pickles bring a whole new level of versatility to your meals. With their thin, flexible slices, pickle enthusiasts can easily load up sandwiches and burgers with a generous amount without worrying about them slipping off. I’ve piled on two pickles’ worth of shavings onto a sandwich that would normally only fit one. For those who aren’t as fond of pickles, this thin shape offers just the right amount of flavor – you can add only a few strips to your burger and still get a pickle tang in every bite. Additionally, the delicate texture makes it easier for anyone who finds it tough to bite into thick, crunchy foods.
The real advantage of shaved pickles lies in their flexibility. You can load them up on sandwiches, burgers, and more without worrying about them falling apart. Even people who are not crazy about pickles can enjoy them by adding just a small amount for a hint of flavor. This method is perfect for people who prefer a subtle pickle taste without overwhelming crunchiness. It’s especially useful for those who struggle to bite into hard, crunchy foods.
While shaving pickles does sacrifice some of their signature crunch, the thin shape can be perfect for specific dishes. It may not be ideal for everything, but it’s an excellent option when you want to fit more pickles into your meal, especially if you love having a hefty pickle presence without the bulk.
