Assorted gherkins

Mixed Green Tomatoes: A Pickled Delicacy for Winter

Mixed green tomatoes are an excellent choice to add a crunchy and savory touch to winter meals. This pickled dish is not only tasty but also full of aromatic nuances and vibrant colors. Using a combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, this recipe will transport you to the world of culinary traditions, where each ingredient plays its essential role.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 11 liters of mixed green tomatoes (enough for multiple meals)

Ingredients:

- 3 kg green tomatoes (choose firm and blemish-free tomatoes)
- 1 kg cucumbers (preferably gherkin type for a crunchy texture)
- 2 small white cabbages (cabbages should be fresh and crunchy)
- 1 small cauliflower (without blemishes or soft spots)
- 6-8 colorful hot peppers (choose according to your preference, sweet or hot)
- 1 head of garlic (without sprouts, for a milder taste)
- 2 roots of horseradish (important for its distinct flavor)
- A handful of fresh dill
- Celery leaves (for flavor)
- Cherry leaves (for a hint of bitterness)
- 50 g mixed peppercorns
- 50 g mustard seeds
- 3 teaspoons of Sichuan pepper (for a unique taste)
- 5.5 l water
- 6-7 tablespoons coarse sea salt (for pickling)
- Thyme (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation of Mixed Green Tomatoes:

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing the green tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities. Let them drain completely. Then, cut the cabbage into 4 or 6 pieces, depending on its size. Break the cauliflower into florets, wash it, and let it drain.

Peel the horseradish and cut it into 4 strips. The garlic should be peeled and set aside. The celery and cherry leaves should also be washed well and set to drain.

Step 2: Assembling the Jars

At the bottom of each jar, place celery leaves, thyme, dill, a few cloves of garlic, and a sprig of cherry. Then, start layering the vegetables: alternate the green tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and cauliflower.

On the edges of the jar, add two hot peppers and strips of horseradish to intensify the flavor of the pickles. This is the perfect time to experiment with combinations you like.

Step 3: Preparing the Brine

In a pot, bring water to a boil. For each liter of water, add a tablespoon of coarse salt. If you are using a 5-liter jar, you will need 2.5 liters of water, and for a 3-liter jar, 1.5 liters. In total, you will use 5.5 liters of water and 7 tablespoons of salt.

Let the water boil for 10 minutes, then add a few leaves to give it a boil. You can also add 1-2 hot peppers and a few cloves of garlic for extra flavor.

Step 4: Filling the Jars with Brine

In each jar, add a tablespoon of peppercorns, one of mustard seeds, and a teaspoon of Sichuan pepper. The latter is a special ingredient that will add a citrus note and a unique flavor.

After the jars are filled with vegetables to the top, pour the hot water over them. It is important that the jars are new, as they are designed to withstand high temperatures. Put on the lid or seal with double plastic wrap.

Step 5: Cooling and Storing

Let the jars cool in a warm place until the next day. Then, you can store them in the cellar or pantry. Don’t worry if the pickles are cloudy; after a few days, they will clear up.

For an interesting experiment, you can boil a jar for 15 minutes to observe the difference in texture and taste between the unboiled and boiled ones. This trick has been used for many generations and will give you an authentic experience.

Serving Suggestions

Mixed green tomatoes are delicious alongside well-browned meats, but they can also be used in salads or as a side for sandwiches. Try them with a refreshing drink, such as iced mint tea or a fruit cocktail, to complete the meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Green tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, and horseradish contains antioxidants that help boost the immune system. These pickles are also a good source of probiotics, beneficial for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can experiment with carrots, radishes, or other favorite vegetables.

2. What is the difference between boiled and unboiled pickled green tomatoes?
Boiled green tomatoes tend to have a softer texture, while unboiled ones remain crunchy. Choose the method based on personal preferences.

3. How long can I keep the pickles?
If stored properly, mixed green tomatoes can last up to a year, but it’s best to consume them within a few months for optimal flavor.

4. How do I know if the pickles are good?
Check the jars for signs of fermentation, such as bubbles or an unpleasant smell. If everything looks and smells good, the pickles are safe to eat.

Mixed green tomatoes are a true culinary treasure that will bring joy to your winter tables. Experiment with the ingredients and turn each jar into a masterpiece of flavor. Enjoy!