Layered vegetable salad

Layered Vegetable Salad – a traditional recipe full of color and flavor

As we begin to sense the aroma of autumn, the desire to preserve the bounty of fresh vegetables for the winter ahead also arises. The layered vegetable salad is a simple yet exceptionally delicious recipe that will bring a touch of freshness to our meals even on the coldest winter days. Preparing this salad is not just a culinary process, but also a tradition filled with stories and memories passed down through generations.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Sterilization time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 7 jars of 1 liter

Ingredients:

- 600 grams of onion, sliced into rings
- 3 kg of sweet peppers, red and green, sliced
- 1 kg of carrots, grated
- 2 kg of firm tomatoes, sliced
- a few sprigs of celery or fresh dill
- 2 large tablespoons of vinegar
- 2 large tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt

Preparing the layered vegetable salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables well. Ensure that the peppers, tomatoes, and carrots are fresh and of good quality. A well-chosen vegetable will make a difference in the final taste. Slice the tomatoes and peppers, and grate the carrots. The onion should be sliced into thin rings.

2. Sterilizing the jars
For a safe preserve, sterilize the jars and lids. Wash 7 jars of 1 liter well, then scald them in boiling water or place them in the oven at 110°C for 15-20 minutes.

3. Arranging the vegetables in the jar
In each jar, layer the vegetables in the following order:
- A sprig of celery
- A layer of tomatoes
- A layer of onion
- A layer of carrots
- A layer of peppers

Repeat this process until the jar is full, ensuring that the last layer is tomatoes. This is the secret – the tomatoes not only look beautiful, but they also help maintain moisture.

4. Adding the liquid ingredients
After filling the jar, add to each one: 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. These ingredients will give the salad a tangy and sweet taste, characteristic of vegetable dishes.

5. Final sterilization
Cover the jars with the sterilized lids and place them in a large pot of water. The heat should start high, but once the water begins to boil, reduce it to medium. Allow the jars to sterilize for 30-40 minutes. Pay close attention to the juice in the jars – it should be clear, indicating that the vegetables have been properly sterilized.

6. Cooling the jars
After sterilization is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water and seal them tightly. You can use a special machine to seal the lids. Place the jars upside down on a kitchen towel and cover them with a light blanket for a day to cool slowly.

7. Storing
After cooling, it is normal for the salad to decrease by 2-3 cm in the jar. This is a recipe that can be stored for a long time, even up to 2 years, in a cool place.

Useful tips:
- If the tomatoes used are sour, you can reduce the amount of vinegar to 1 tablespoon to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
- Another delicious variation would be to add a few peppercorns or bay leaves to each jar for an extra note of flavor.
- This salad pairs perfectly as a side dish for meats or as an appetizer alongside fresh bread.

Nutritional benefits:
This vegetable salad is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while carrots provide beta-carotene, beneficial for vision. Sweet peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, thus contributing to a healthy immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Of course! You can experiment with vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or even olives, depending on your preferences.

- How can I serve the salad?
After opening the jar, the salad can be served simply, without adding oil or onion. It pairs perfectly with meat dishes or even in sandwiches.

- Can I freeze this salad?
Since it is a preserved salad, it is not recommended to freeze it. It is best to keep it in jars, in a cool place.

I conclude this recipe with the hope that you will add the layered vegetable salad to your recipe book, so you can enjoy and share it with your loved ones on cold winter days. Its vibrant taste and combination of flavors will surely bring smiles to your table, even on the wettest winter days. Enjoy your meal!