Bulgarian cucumbers

Bulgarian Cucumbers - A Delicious Pickle Recipe for Winter

Every autumn, when the leaves begin to turn yellow and the air grows cooler, it's time to prepare for winter. Preserving vegetables and fruits is an ancient tradition that not only helps us stock up for the cold season but also allows us to enjoy fresh and intensified flavors with every jar we open. Today, I will share with you a simple and quick recipe for Bulgarian cucumbers that will bring a touch of freshness to your winter table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 jars (800 g each)

Ingredients:

- 2 kg cucumbers
- 2 onions
- 2 carrots
- 3-4 horseradish roots
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 tablespoons vinegar
- cold water
- dill sprigs (optional, for flavor)

Necessary utensils:

- Clean jars (800 g)
- Jar lids
- Large pot
- Kitchen towel
- Knife
- Tray or cutting board

Step by step:

1. Preparing the jars: Start by washing the jars and lids with warm water and detergent. Then, sterilize them either by boiling or in the oven at 100°C for 15 minutes. This step is essential to prevent contamination of the pickles.

2. Washing the cucumbers: Choose young and crunchy cucumbers. Wash them well under a stream of cold water and cut off the ends. If the cucumbers are larger, you can cut them lengthwise into halves or quarters.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the onion and carrot. Slice the onion into thin rings and the carrot into rounds. Peel the horseradish and cut it into slices or sticks to add extra flavor to the pickles.

4. Assembling the jars: In each jar, place the cucumbers vertically, alternating with the onion rings, carrot, and horseradish. Add the mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaves for an intense flavor.

5. Preparing the brine: In a separate bowl, combine the salt, sugar, vinegar, and cold water. Mix well until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

6. Filling the jars: Pour the brine mixture into the jars, ensuring that the vegetables are completely covered. Leave a little space at the top for the pickles to expand.

7. Sealing the jars: Place the lids on the jars and seal them tightly. Gently shake the jars to mix the ingredients.

8. Boiling the jars: Place a strip of kitchen towel on the bottom of a large pot and arrange the jars on this towel to prevent direct contact with the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot with water until it covers the jars up to their necks. Boil the water for 20-25 minutes, starting from the moment the water begins to boil.

9. Cooling: After the boiling time is up, cover the jars with towels to let them cool slowly. This step helps create a perfect seal.

Practical tips:

- Cucumbers: Choose medium-sized cucumbers with smooth skin and no blemishes. Smaller cucumbers are crunchier and more flavorful.
- Dill option: Adding dill sprigs to the jars will enhance the flavor of the pickles. Dill pairs perfectly with cucumbers and gives them a distinct note.
- Brine: You can adjust the amount of salt and sugar to your taste. If you prefer tangier pickles, you can add more vinegar.
- Usage: Bulgarian cucumbers are ideal as a side dish for meats, in salads, or even as appetizers. You can serve them alongside a platter of cheeses or sausages.

Nutritional benefits:

Cucumbers are rich in water, vitamins (especially vitamin K), and minerals, with low calorie content. Consuming pickles can improve digestion and provide a good source of probiotics, beneficial for gut flora.

Frequently asked questions:

- How long can Bulgarian cucumbers be stored? Under proper conditions, they can last up to a year.
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! You can experiment with carrots, peppers, or even cauliflower, each adding a different flavor to your pickles.
- What drinks pair well with Bulgarian cucumbers? A dry white wine or a cold beer pairs excellently with these pickles.

Bulgarian cucumbers are a symbol of summer's bounty, bottled to bring a touch of sunshine to your table on cold winter days. This simple and quick recipe will help you fill your pantry with delicious flavors and enjoy the taste of summer all winter long. I invite you to start cooking and share this recipe with your loved ones!