Assorted pickles

Assorted Pickles – a Traditional Winter Delight

Assorted pickles are an essential part of our cuisine, bringing a vibrant taste and a crunchy texture to everyday dishes. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with goodies but also bring back pleasant childhood memories when your mother or grandmother prepared these delights for chilly days. It is a simple recipe, but it requires a little patience and a bit of love to achieve the most delicious pickles.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 11 liters of assorted pickles

Ingredients

- 3 kg green tomatoes
- 1 kg cucumbers
- 2 small white cabbages
- 1 small cauliflower
- 6-8 colored hot peppers
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 roots of horseradish
- 1 bunch of dill
- Celery leaves
- Cherry leaves
- 50 g mixed peppercorns
- 50 g mustard seeds
- 5.5 l of water
- 6 tablespoons coarse sea salt
- Thyme (optional)

Preparing the pickles

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the green tomatoes and cucumbers well under cold running water. Make sure they are clean, without any traces of dirt or impurities. Let them drain completely.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the cabbages into 4 or 6 pieces, depending on their size. The cauliflower should be broken into small florets. Peel the horseradish and cut it into 4 long strips. Peel the garlic and set it aside.

3. Arranging in jars: At the bottom of each jar, place a few celery leaves, thyme, dill, and a few garlic cloves. Then, alternately layer the green tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and cauliflower. On the edges of the jar, add 2 hot peppers and strips of horseradish for a spicy and aromatic taste.

4. Preparing the brine: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. For each liter of water, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt. If you are using a 5-liter jar, you will need 2.5 l of water, and for a 3-liter jar, 1.5 l of water. For a total of 11 l of pickles, you will use 5.5 l of water and 7 tablespoons of salt. Let the brine boil for 10 minutes. You can add a few cherry leaves and a few garlic cloves for extra flavor.

5. Filling the jars: Add 1 tablespoon of peppercorns and 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds to each jar. Fill the jars with the prepared vegetables to the top, then pour the hot brine over them. It is important that the vegetables are completely covered with liquid.

6. Sealing the jars: Cover the jars with lids or tie them with double cellophane. These jars are designed to withstand high temperatures, so there is no need to place a knife underneath to prevent breaking.

7. Cooling and storing: Let the jars cool in a warm place until the next day. Then, store them in a cellar or pantry. Don't worry if the pickles are cloudy at first; they will clear up in a few days if kept cool.

Useful tips

- Choose fresh vegetables: The secret to delicious pickles lies in choosing the best quality ingredients. Buy fresh, seasonal vegetables that are crunchy and colorful.

- Experiment with flavors: You can add other spices, such as bay leaves or cloves, to give a unique taste to your pickles. The varieties are endless!

- Proper storage: Make sure the jars are kept in a cool, dark place to avoid spoilage of the pickles.

Nutritional notes

Pickles are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing numerous health benefits. They contain natural probiotics that aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. They are also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Why do pickles become cloudy? It is normal for pickles to be cloudy at first. This is due to fermentation and is a sign that the pickling process is working.

- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! You can add carrots, radishes, or other vegetables you like. Each ingredient will add a distinct note to your pickles.

- How long can I keep the pickles? If stored properly, pickles can last up to a year. Make sure the jars are well sealed.

Serving

Assorted pickles are perfect as a side dish for meats, sandwiches, or salads. Try them alongside a well-browned steak or add them to salads for an extra burst of flavor and texture. You can also serve them as an appetizer, alongside a refreshing drink or a good wine.

In conclusion, preparing assorted pickles is a pleasant and comforting activity that not only provides reserves for winter but also brings back precious memories. Take the time to enjoy this process and don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your meal!