Vegetables for winter

Vegetables for Winter: An Essential Recipe for a Flavorful Winter

Winter is approaching, and with it comes the desire to preserve the flavors of summer in our pantry. Vegetables for winter is a traditional recipe, full of flavor, that will add a boost of taste to your dishes throughout the cold season. This mix of vegetables is not only a delicacy but also an excellent way to conserve fresh vegetables, so you can enjoy them even in the coldest months. Let's discover together how to prepare a delicious and healthy vegetable mix!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Waiting time: 12 hours
Number of servings: Depends on the size of the jars, generally 4-5 jars of 400 ml.

Ingredients:
- 1 large celery (or 2 smaller ones)
- 500 g carrots
- 500 g parsley root
- 500 g parsnip (if available in the market)
- a few fresh celery leaves
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 10 tablespoons of coarse salt (non-iodized salt is recommended)

Preparing the vegetable mix:

Step 1: Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing all the vegetables very well, removing any impurities. It is important to ensure that the vegetables are clean, as this will affect the final quality of the vegetable mix.

Step 2: Grating the vegetables
Peel the celery, carrots, parsley, and parsnip. Use a large grater to shred them. If you prefer, you can also use a food processor, which will make this process much faster. Grating the vegetables helps release their natural juices, which will enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Mixing with salt
In a large container, add the grated vegetables and evenly sprinkle the 10 tablespoons of coarse salt. Mix everything well with your hands, so that the salt distributes evenly among the vegetables. This step is crucial, as the salt will help the vegetables release their juices and preserve them.

Step 4: Waiting
After mixing the vegetables, cover the container with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 12 hours at room temperature. During this time, the vegetable juices will combine with the salt, forming a salty and aromatic mixture.

Step 5: Packing in jars
After 12 hours, the vegetable mixture will now be moist and have a shiny appearance. Start filling the jars with the vegetable mix. Press down with a spoon or your hand to remove air and compress the vegetables as much as possible. Fill each jar to the top, leaving a small space at the top.

Step 6: Preserving
To ensure good preservation, add an aspirin tablet to each jar. This will act as a natural preservative, preventing the growth of bacteria. Seal the jars tightly with lids and label them, so you know what they contain.

Step 7: Maintaining the vegetable mix
When using the vegetable mix, add a tablespoon of the mixture to your dishes, being careful not to add extra salt, as the ingredient is already salty. You can use this vegetable mix in soups, stews, meat dishes, or even in salads.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celeriac or kohlrabi, to create a personalized combination.
- If you want a spicy note, you can add a finely chopped chili pepper to the mix.
- Instead of aspirin, you can also use other natural preservatives, but make sure they are suitable for food preservation.

Nutritional benefits:
The prepared vegetable mix is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. The vegetables used are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, which helps with digestion. By consuming the vegetable mix, you will enjoy the natural flavors of the vegetables and their nutritional benefits throughout the winter.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Is it necessary to use aspirin?
It is not mandatory, but it helps preserve the vegetable mix. You can choose a natural alternative, but their effectiveness may vary.

2. How long does the vegetable mix last?
If stored properly, the vegetable mix can last up to a year. Make sure the jars are sealed correctly.

3. Can I use the vegetable mix in any dish?
Yes, the vegetable mix is versatile and can be used in almost any dish. Add it to soups, stews, or even vegetable dishes.

Recipes and drinks that can be combined:
The vegetable mix is wonderful in hot soups or stews, but it can also be easily integrated into meat dishes or vegetarian meals. Additionally, a cup of mulled wine or a fragrant tea can perfectly complement a meal using the vegetable mix.

Personal story:
I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, preparing the vegetable mix for winter. It was a sacred ritual, and each ingredient had its story. These moments taught me not only to cook but also to appreciate food and the traditions that bind us. Such recipes come with an emotional baggage and are a way to keep memories and family values alive.

I wish you much inspiration in the kitchen and hope you enjoy every portion of the vegetable mix prepared with love!