Spicy Pepper Salad

Spicy Pepper Salad with Onion and Celery: An Explosion of Flavor and Color in a Jar

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 jars of 400g

In a world where colors and flavors intertwine, spicy pepper salad is a true feast for the senses. This recipe not only brings a splash of freshness to your table but is also an excellent way to preserve the taste of summer for the cold winter days. This salad recipe is easy to make and can quickly become a family favorite.

The history of spicy pepper salad is closely tied to food preservation traditions, an essential practice in many cultures. With each jar, you will preserve not only the taste but also the memories of festive meals with loved ones. Now, let’s get to work!

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg spicy peppers (choose different colors for a special look)
- 500 g bell peppers
- 2-3 kapia peppers
- 500 g onions
- 500 ml water
- 500 ml vinegar (preferably wine for a more complex flavor)
- 500 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 bunch of celery (leaves)
- Peppercorns and mustard seeds (optional, for extra flavor)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the spicy peppers thoroughly under cold running water. You can cut them into rings or slices, depending on your preferences. Make sure to protect your hands with gloves, as spicy peppers can leave an unpleasant sensation on the skin.

2. The onion, bell peppers, and kapia peppers:
Peel the onion and slice it thinly or into rings, depending on how you prefer to integrate it into the salad. Do the same with the bell peppers and kapia peppers. Uniform cutting will help with even preservation and will make the salad look impeccable.

3. Preparing the preserving liquid:
In a large pot, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Place the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Once boiling, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Adding flavor:
After the liquid is ready, add the celery leaves and, if desired, the peppercorns and mustard seeds for a more complex taste. These ingredients will add depth and flavor to your salad.

5. Assembling the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the peppers, onion, bell peppers, and kapia peppers. Mix well, then start filling the sterilized and dried jars. Make sure to fill the jars to the top, leaving a little space for the liquid.

6. Pouring the hot liquid:
Pour the hot preserving liquid over the vegetable mixture, ensuring they are completely covered. This step is essential to prevent bacterial growth.

7. Sealing the jars:
Screw the jar lids on, but do not tighten them too much. Cover them with a thick blanket and let them cool completely, preferably until the next day. This slow cooling process will help develop the flavors.

8. Storing:
Once the jars are completely cool, you can store them in the pantry. The spicy pepper salad can be consumed after a few days, but for an even more intense flavor, let it rest for a week before enjoying it.

Serving suggestions:
This spicy pepper salad is perfect to serve alongside grilled dishes or as a side for various meals. You can add it to cheese platters, use it as a topping for burgers, or serve it with a portion of rice or pasta.

Possible variations:
- If you want to try a milder version, you can use sweet peppers instead of spicy ones.
- Add olives or raisins for a sweet and sour note.
- Replace the wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I sterilize the jars? You can wash them in hot water or place them in the oven at 120°C for 15-20 minutes.
- What can I do with spicy pepper salad? It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even added to sandwiches for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional information (per 100 g):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fiber: 2 g

So, you have all the necessary information to prepare a delicious spicy pepper salad that will delight everyone’s taste buds. Cooking is not just an art but also a way to share love and joy, and this recipe is perfect for doing just that. Try it and enjoy every bite!