Peppers in brine

Pickled Peppers Recipe – A Winter Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Storage time: 4 weeks (in jars)
Number of servings: Depends on consumption; the recipe produces approximately 4 jars of 800 g

Discover the pleasure of preserving peppers in brine, a culinary tradition that combines the fresh taste of vegetables with the intense aroma of horseradish. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with a nutritious delicacy but will also transform winter meals, providing a perfect condiment for soups, stews, or meat dishes.

The history of pickled peppers
Over time, preserving vegetables has been an essential practice to cope with winter. Peppers, with their crunchy texture and natural sweetness, become a versatile ingredient when preserved. Horseradish, on the other hand, adds not only a spicy flavor but also helps maintain the firmness of the peppers, providing a touch of freshness even in the coldest months.

Necessary ingredients
- 10 kilograms of bell peppers (choose meaty peppers, without spots or defects)
- 1 kilogram of coarse salt for pickling
- Water (enough to cover the peppers in jars)
- 3-4 bunches of horseradish (fresh and cut into sticks)

Useful tips about ingredients
- Peppers: Choose medium-sized peppers with smooth skin. Red or yellow peppers are ideal due to their natural sweetness.
- Salt: Use coarse salt, as it dissolves more slowly, helping to maintain the crunchy texture of the peppers.
- Horseradish: Fresh horseradish is essential to add a spicy note and ensure the firmness of the peppers.

Steps for preparing pickled peppers

1. Wash and prepare the peppers
Start by washing the peppers well under a stream of cold water. Remove the stems and seeds, ensuring that the peppers remain whole. This is an important step, as cleaned peppers fill much better.

2. Fill the peppers with salt
Fill each pepper with coarse salt, then take another pepper and empty it of salt into the first one, without shaking. This step allows the salt to adhere to the walls of the peppers, enhancing the flavor. Continue this procedure until all the peppers are filled.

3. Add the horseradish
Place a piece of horseradish in each pepper. This will not only enrich the flavor but will also help preserve the peppers.

4. Prepare the jars
Wash the 800 g jars well with hot water and let them dry. These jars are ideal for storing peppers, as their size allows for easy storage.

5. Arrange the peppers in jars
Pack the peppers tightly into the jars. Make sure to place a few horseradish roots among the peppers for added flavor.

6. Prepare the brine solution
In a container, mix 100 g of salt with 1 liter of water until the salt is completely dissolved. This solution will be poured over the peppers.

7. Fill the jars
Pour the brine solution into the jars, ensuring that the peppers are completely covered. Leave a little space at the top for expansion.

8. Seal the jars
Place two horseradish roots on top of the peppers, then seal the jars. This step is essential to prevent air from entering and to keep the peppers fresh.

9. Store
Place the jars in the pantry. It is recommended to let them sit for a day before using them in cooking. The pickled peppers are ready to be used in various dishes.

How to serve pickled peppers
These peppers are perfect as a side dish for meat dishes, but can also be enjoyed alongside a serving of cheese and warm polenta. A summer salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese will perfectly complement the taste of these peppers.

Nutritional benefits
Peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Horseradish, on the other hand, contains compounds that can help boost the immune system. Consuming this dish can provide digestive benefits due to the salt and horseradish.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of peppers?
Sure! Hot peppers or kapia peppers are excellent options, adding a spicy note to the dish.
- How long can I keep the pickled peppers?
The peppers can be kept for up to a year if stored correctly under ideal conditions.
- How can I use the peppers in dishes?
You can add the peppers to soups, stews, or use them as a filling for various pies.

Recipe variations
You can customize your recipe by adding spices such as peppercorns, dill, or garlic. These will add extra flavor to the peppers.

I conclude this recipe with a personal note: each jar of preserved peppers is a memory of summer and the joy of sharing winter meals with loved ones. Enjoy and happy cooking!