My dad calls these pickles, krokodylki - or crocs - two reasons: 1. they shrivel up in the process a bit and the skin looks like crocodile skin, 2. they have a bite to them.
here are the ingredients which make 7 pint size jars.
5 lb of pickles - the smaller the better they will come out
8 tbsp salt
1 head of garlic
6 tbsp hot paprika/hot chilli
3.3 lb sugar
1 L white vinegar
12 tbsp vegetable oil
probably the most important thing is the size of the pickle. The smaller the better. I didn't have much luck finding tiny ones, o the ones I used were about 4 inches tall. Wash them really well under hot water. Cut away the ends (optional), and slice in half. Place the halved pickles onto dishes that can hold some liquid (not flat ones) with the exposed side up. Generously spread all the salt onto the pickles. If you don't have enough dishes, you can layer them but place a lot of salt on each layer. The salt will dehydrate the pickles, and within minutes you will see water collecting in the dish. If you have small pickles, leave for at least 6 hours, I left mine for 8.
After the dehydration process, get rid of the access water, and place pickles into a deep bowl(s) - I used two. At this point I decided to quarter the pickles, the halves would work too, but the twisting effect from the vinegar would not be as prominent. I would not quarter them if they were smaller. Add the garlic - I sliced it up. Add the chilli or hot paprika...I used a combo of both spices. I used two bowls because I made one less spicy. Mix the pickles, garlic, and spices with your hand thoroughly.
Dump the sugar, vinegar, and oil into a pot - stir vigorously until sugar dissolves and bring to a slight boil. Pour the hot liquid into the bowls. You want to cover the pickles completely. They will most likely raise up - I used two plates on top to help submerge them in the liquid. Leave this standing for at least 12 hours.
After 12 hours (Mine was more like 20) the pickles contort and twist a bit. Place them tightly into the jars and cover with liquid. done.
Make sure jars are clean - don't want to spoil the product with a dirty container.
I opened one jar today and they are awesome! very crunchy. Tasted good. I think next time I will add even more spices to make them hotter. Makes great finger food...especially when drinking vodka