Cauliflower salad with bell peppers

Cauliflower Salad with Peppers - a Delicious and Colorful Recipe

I propose a simple and tasty recipe for cauliflower salad with peppers, perfect for adding a touch of freshness and vitality to your meals. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, being an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Its preparation involves a boiling process that intensifies the flavors, and the final result is a salad that can be stored for a longer time in jars, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Number of servings: 4-5 jars of 800 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh cauliflower (choose small, firm florets)
- 1 kg bell peppers (preferably red and yellow for a vibrant appearance)
- 300 ml vinegar (use white wine vinegar for a milder taste)
- 300 ml oil (sunflower oil or olive oil, according to your preference)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your taste)
- 300 g tomato paste (opt for a high-quality paste for a more intense flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by rinsing the cauliflower well under cold running water. Cut it into small florets, which will be easier to cook and serve.
- Remove the seeds and stems from the peppers, then slice them into thin strips. The different colors of the peppers will add a pleasant appearance to your salad.

2. Cooking the base:
- In a large pot, combine the vinegar, oil, sugar, and tomato paste. Place the mixture over medium heat and let it boil for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking or burning. This step will help blend the flavors, and the sugar will add a pleasant sweetness, balancing the acidity of the vinegar and tomatoes.

3. Adding the vegetables:
- After 30 minutes of boiling, add the cauliflower florets and pepper strips to the pot. Continue to boil everything over medium heat for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cauliflower will become slightly soft, while the peppers will retain their crunch, providing a pleasant texture to the salad.

4. Adjusting the taste:
- At this point, it is important to adjust the taste. I recommend tasting the mixture and adding salt if necessary. Personally, I did not add salt because the tomato paste I used was salty enough. Taste is essential, so make sure it suits your preference!

5. Bottling:
- Prepare the sterilized jars. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or washing them in the dishwasher at a high temperature.
- When the mixture is ready, carefully pour the hot salad into the jars, filling them to about 1-2 cm from the top. Seal the jars with the lids and turn them upside down. Cover them with a blanket or a thick towel to keep them warm until the next day.

6. Cooling and storing:
- Once completely cooled, you can store the jars in the pantry or refrigerator. The cauliflower salad with peppers will preserve very well and will be a delicious side dish or appetizer throughout the year.

Serving suggestions:
This salad pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or can be served alongside grilled meats, fish, or barbecue dishes. You can also use it as a filling for healthy sandwiches or wraps.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different types of vegetables by adding carrots or zucchini for a variety of textures and flavors.
- If you like a spicy note, add finely chopped hot peppers to the mixture.

Nutritional information:
This salad is an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants due to the cauliflower and peppers. It is a healthy choice, with approximately 150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener, but be careful to adjust the acidity with a bit more vinegar.

3. How long does the salad keep?
Stored in sterilized jars, the salad can last in the pantry for 6-12 months.

I encourage you to try this cauliflower salad with peppers and enjoy its flavor! It can easily become a staple recipe in your pantry and bring a splash of color and health to your table. Bon appétit!