Pickled bell peppers and cauliflower for winter

Pickled peppers and cauliflower for winter

Winter is approaching, and thoughts of festive family meals fill our hearts with joy. What could be more pleasant than enjoying the flavors of summer, even on the coldest days? This recipe for pickled peppers and cauliflower is perfect for adding a touch of freshness and flavor to winter. Pickles are not only delicious but also healthy, providing vitamins and minerals useful in the cold season. Let's get to work!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Pickling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 700 ml

Ingredients

- Peppers: 5 kilograms
- Cauliflower: 2 large heads
- Carrots: 250 grams
- Celery (root and leaves): 3 pieces
- Horseradish: 5 pieces
- Dried dill: 100 grams
- Garlic: 1 head
- Spices (mustard seeds, coriander, peppercorns, allspice, bay leaves, dried thyme): to taste
- Cherry leaves: a few
- Water: 2 liters
- Vinegar: 500 milliliters
- Sugar: 250 grams
- Non-iodized salt: 150 grams

Preparation of ingredients

1. Peppers: Choose healthy, firm, and meaty peppers. Wash them well, then remove the stems and seeds. Cut them into quarters, as larger pieces will add a pleasant texture to the pickles.

2. Cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into florets, being careful not to make them too small. Wash them well and let them drain.

3. Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut them into rounds or sticks, depending on your preference.

4. Celery: Cut the celery root into cubes, and you can add the leaves whole or chopped.

5. Horseradish: Peel the horseradish and cut it into long strips. This will add an intense flavor to the pickles.

6. Garlic: Separate the garlic head into cloves and peel them. You can leave the cloves whole or cut them in half for a stronger taste.

Preparation of pickles

1. Boiling the vinegar: In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil along with the vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and salt. Let it boil for about 10 minutes.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Once the vinegar mixture has boiled, add the cut peppers and let them blanch for 5-7 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.

3. Packing into jars: In sterilized jars, start layering the vegetables: at the bottom of the jar, place a layer of cauliflower, followed by peppers, carrots, celery, garlic, horseradish, and dried dill. Repeat until the jar is full, leaving a little space at the top for liquid.

4. Adding the liquid: Carefully pour the hot liquid over the vegetables, ensuring that all ingredients are covered. This step is crucial to prevent oxidation and ensure even pickling.

5. Sealing the jars: Cover the jars with plastic wrap or special pickling lids. Place them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry.

Useful tips

- Sterilizing jars: It is essential to sterilize the jars before use. You can do this by boiling or in the oven. This step helps prevent bacterial growth.

- Flavors: Customize the recipe by adding other preferred spices, such as hot peppers or olive leaves, for a more intense flavor.

- Taste: Let the pickles sit for about 2-3 weeks before consuming, to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional benefits

Peppers and cauliflower are rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Carrots provide beta-carotene, beneficial for eye health, while horseradish is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?: Of course! You can add zucchini or cucumbers for a variety of textures and flavors.

2. How can I preserve the pickles longer?: Make sure the jars are well-sealed and stored in a cool, dark place. Pickles can last up to a year.

3. How can I serve them?: These pickles are excellent as a side dish for grilled meats, in sandwiches, or as part of an appetizer platter.

Serving suggestions

Try the pickles alongside a grilled steak or with a cheese and charcuterie platter. Also, pair them with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or even a craft beer, for a perfect meal.

Whether you enjoy them with loved ones or give them as a gift, pickled peppers and cauliflower are an excellent choice to bring a touch of summer to the chilly winter days. Let’s enjoy every jar and remember the warm flavors of the sun, even when it’s snowing outside!