Ciolomada - onion masonry

Ciolomada - Pickled Onions

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make pickle, ciolomada is the perfect choice. This traditional pickled onion recipe is not only tasty but also very versatile. It can be served alongside soups, saucy dishes, or even grilled meats, adding a burst of flavor to any meal. Preparing ciolomada is a pleasure, and the result is an explosion of flavors that will delight all your senses.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 500 ml

Ingredients

- 2 kg of onions
- 500 g of green and red hot peppers (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 6 bell peppers
- 500 ml of apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of water
- Peppercorns (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)

Short History

Ciolomada is a pickle that has been cherished for generations, bringing a touch of freshness and flavor to any meal. This recipe reflects culinary traditions that emphasize preserving vegetables during their harvest season, ensuring intense flavor and ingredient longevity.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by peeling the onions, then slice them into rings or julienne, depending on your preference. Uniformly cutting the onions will help with even fermentation and give the pickle a pleasant appearance.

2. Slicing the Peppers and Bell Peppers:
Slice the hot peppers thinly and the bell peppers into small pieces. If you want to reduce the spiciness of the pickle, you can use more bell peppers and fewer hot peppers.

3. Boiling the Mixture:
In a large pot, add the sliced onions, hot peppers, and bell peppers. Add water (3-4 tablespoons), salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then cover with a lid and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Adding Sugar:
After 15 minutes of boiling, add the sugar. This will help balance the sour taste of the vinegar, bringing a pleasant sweetness.

5. Cooling and Storing:
Once the pickle has boiled, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, distribute the mixture into sterilized jars, ensuring each jar contains some peppercorns and a bay leaf. Seal the jars tightly.

6. Maturing:
Wait a few days before consuming ciolomada, allowing the flavors to combine and become more intense.

Practical Tips

- Sterilizing Jars: It is essential to sterilize the jars before filling them with the pickle. You can do this by boiling them or placing them in the oven at 120 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes.
- Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer a less spicy ciolomada, try using sweet peppers instead of hot ones, or reduce the amount of hot peppers in the recipe.
- Serving: Ciolomada pairs perfectly with a warm bean soup or an oven-baked meat dish. You can also add the pickle to sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Of course! You can add carrots or cucumbers to diversify the texture and taste.

2. How long does it last?
Ciolomada can be stored in the refrigerator for 6-12 months, as long as the jars are well-sealed and sterilized.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins.

4. What other dishes can it be paired with?
Ciolomada goes wonderfully with soups, saucy dishes, or meats, but also with cheese or grilled sausages.

Variations and Tricks

- Add herbs: You can experiment with adding dried dill or thyme to the vegetable mixture for extra flavor.
- Color and Texture: If you want to make ciolomada more appealing, you can add bell peppers of various colors, which will not only enhance the appearance but also the taste.

Ciolomada is a wonderful choice to add a touch of freshness and flavor to your dishes. This pickled onion not only embodies culinary traditions but will also become a favorite at your table. So, put on your apron and enjoy the magic of cooking!