Pickled bell peppers with eggplants

Marinated Bell Peppers with Eggplant - a Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

Marinated bell peppers with eggplant are a delicacy that brings back pleasant childhood memories and beautiful moments spent with family. This recipe, passed down from generation to generation, is perfect for adding a splash of color and flavor to your meals, whether it's a festive gathering or a simple family dinner. With a mix of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, marinated bell peppers with eggplant are an ideal companion for any dish.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 jars

Necessary ingredients:

- 5 kg bell peppers
- 3 kg eggplant
- 1 l vinegar
- 1 kg sugar
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 0.5 l oil
- Peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- Garlic (to taste, about 10-15 cloves)
- 2 bunches of fresh dill

Preparing marinated bell peppers with eggplant is a pleasant process that brings together the smells and flavors of traditional cuisine. Let's get started!

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the bell peppers and eggplants well. Cut the bell peppers into 4 or 6 pieces, depending on your preference, while peeling the eggplants and slicing them into rounds about 1 cm thick. It is important not to cut them too thinly to preserve their texture and prevent them from breaking during the marinating process.

2. Preparing the marinade: In a large pot, add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil. Place the pot on the stove and let the ingredients boil, stirring occasionally to ensure that the sugar and salt dissolve completely. The marinade should boil for a few minutes, and its aroma will begin to intensify.

3. Blanching the vegetables: Once the marinade has started to boil, add the bell peppers to the pot. Blanch them for about 5-7 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly without making them too mushy. Then, add the eggplants, being careful not to leave them in the pot for too long to prevent them from breaking. Blanching is essential for the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the marinade while maintaining their texture.

4. Filling the jars: Prepare clean and sterilized jars. Layer the bell peppers and eggplants in the jars, alternating with thin slices of garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. These ingredients will add extra flavor to your dish. Finally, sprinkle a generous layer of fresh dill over the vegetables.

5. Boiling in a water bath: After filling all the jars, seal them tightly with lids. Place the jars in a large pot, fill it halfway with water, and boil them in a water bath for 30 minutes. This process will ensure good preservation and intensified flavor.

6. Cooling the jars: Once the jars have boiled, carefully remove them from the water and let them cool. To speed up the process, wrap them in a blanket. This will help retain the heat and create a vacuum inside the jar.

7. Serving: Marinated bell peppers with eggplant can be enjoyed as is, alongside a slice of fresh bread, or used as a side dish for various meals. They are delicious on fasting days or as part of a festive meal.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicy note, add a few dried chili peppers among the layers of vegetables.
- Instead of wine vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar for a sweeter flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to customize the flavor of your pickles.

Nutritional information: Bell peppers and eggplants are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. These vegetables are rich in antioxidants and contribute to digestive health. A serving of marinated bell peppers with eggplant (about 100g) has around 80 calories, making it a light and healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
- Of course! You can add carrots or cucumbers to diversify the recipe.

2. How long can I keep marinated bell peppers with eggplant?
- If properly sterilized, the jars can be kept for several months in a cool, dark place.

3. Can I consume marinated bell peppers on fasting days?
- Absolutely! They are a perfect accompaniment for meals during fasting days.

This recipe for marinated bell peppers with eggplant is not just a simple dish, but an invitation to share special moments with loved ones. Enjoy every step of the cooking process and let yourself be carried away by the aroma and taste of these delicious vegetables!