Peppers and cauliflower in vinegar

Peppers and Cauliflower in Vinegar – A Classic Recipe for Winter

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 800 ml

Welcome to the world of vegetable preserves! Get ready to transform fresh vegetables into delicious pickles that will add color and flavor to your winter meals. The recipe for peppers and cauliflower in vinegar is a perfect choice to preserve the taste of summer and bring it to your table on the coldest days.

A bit of history

Preserving vegetables in vinegar is a traditional practice used by generations to ensure a source of nutrients during winter. This method not only prolongs the life of the vegetables but also enriches them with intense flavors. Peppers and cauliflower are among the most popular vegetables for pickling due to their crunchy texture and vibrant taste.

Ingredients

- 5 kg peppers
- 3 kg cauliflower
- 3 medium carrots
- 1 root celery (about 300 g)
- 100 g sugar
- 80 g salt
- 1 l vinegar
- 4-5 l water
- Peppercorns
- Mustard seeds
- 2 bay leaves

Preparation technique

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables

Start by thoroughly washing the peppers and cauliflower. The peppers should be firm, without signs of damage. For cauliflower, choose a white, compact flower. Remove the seeds from the peppers and cut them into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Break the cauliflower into small florets, and slice the carrots and celery thinly. These cuts not only look good but also help with even pickling.

Step 2: Preparing the vinegar water

In a large pot, add the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and bay leaves. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure that the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This is the base that will give flavor to your pickles.

Step 3: Blanching the vegetables

Once the marinade starts to boil, add the peppers. Turn off the heat after 2-3 minutes of boiling. This step helps soften the vegetables and intensify the flavors. Remove the peppers from the pot and repeat the process for the cauliflower. Make sure not to boil them too much; we want the vegetables to remain crunchy.

Step 4: Assembling the jars

Start filling the jars. Place slices of carrot and celery at the bottom of the jars, followed by layers of peppers and cauliflower. Repeat the process until the jars are full, leaving about 1-2 cm of space at the top. This space is important for the expansion of the vegetables during fermentation.

Step 5: Adding the vinegar water and sealing the jars

Pour the hot marinade into the jars, ensuring that the vegetables are completely covered. Check that each jar has a few peppercorns and mustard seeds for extra flavor. Screw the jar lids on tightly. Once all the jars are filled, let them cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Storage

After they have cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place. These pickles will be ready to eat in about 2-4 weeks. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavors become.

Useful tips

- Choose fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best results.
- Add herbs like dill or coriander for an even richer taste.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as hot peppers or cucumbers, to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional values and benefits

Peppers and cauliflower are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. These pickles are a healthy option to enrich meals, bringing a crunchy addition and a tangy flavor that stimulates digestion. Additionally, the vinegar content may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar, but make sure it has a similar acidity to preserve the qualities of the pickles.

2. How long do these pickles last?
Properly, pickles can be stored for a year or even longer, but their quality will be better if consumed within 6 months.

3. What can I serve peppers and cauliflower in vinegar with?
These pickles are excellent as a side dish with meat dishes, salads, or even as an appetizer alongside fine cheeses and olives.

Recipes and combinations

These peppers and cauliflower in vinegar pair perfectly with a pork roast or grilled chicken breast. You can integrate them into a summer salad, adding other fresh vegetables as well. Also, try them alongside a refreshing drink, such as mint tea or a fruit cocktail to balance the tangy flavor.

We hope you enjoyed this recipe and that you will try making it. Preserving peppers and cauliflower in vinegar is not just a way to keep vegetables but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family!