Colorful assorted pickles

Colorful assorted pickles - a seasonal recipe full of flavor

Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10 servings (or more, depending on preferences)

Every year, when autumn makes its presence felt, we prepare not only for the arrival of cold weather but also for a colorful and tasty tradition: pickles! These tangy delights are not just a perfect accompaniment for roasts but also a source of joy on winter days. Today, I invite you to discover my recipe for colorful assorted pickles, a combination of fresh, aromatic, and vitamin-rich vegetables, learned from the people, with a bit of love and good cheer.

Ingredients

- 3-4 kg autumn cucumbers
- 2 kg carrots
- 2 kg green tomatoes (they are red but not fully ripe)
- 1 red cabbage
- 1 white cabbage
- 1 kg autumn peppers (preferably of various colors)
- 1-2 healthy cauliflowers
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Mustard seeds (to taste)
- 10-12 cloves of garlic
- 10-12 sprigs of dried dill
- 2 celery stalks with leaves
- 4-5 horseradish roots
- Pickling salt (about 1 tablespoon per liter of water)
- Health, good cheer, and success in your work!

Necessary utensils

- Well-cleaned and sterilized glass jars
- Large pot for preparing the brine
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board

Step by step - Preparing the pickles

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash the cucumbers, carrots, green tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, and celery. Cut the larger vegetables (like carrots and celery) into suitable pieces, while you can leave the cucumbers and peppers whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.

2. The brine: In a large pot, add water and salt, following the ratio of one tablespoon of salt per liter of water. Place the pot on the stove and stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.

3. Seasoning the pickles: In each jar, add a few peeled cloves of garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and a few sprigs of dried dill. These spices will add a delicious flavor to your pickles.

4. Assembling the jars: Start placing the vegetables in the jars, alternating types to create a colorful and attractive appearance. You can add horseradish roots between the vegetables for extra flavor and to keep the pickles crunchy.

5. Filling with brine: After filling the jars with vegetables, pour hot brine over them, filling the jars to the brim. Make sure the vegetables are completely covered by the brine.

6. Sealing the jars: Close the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature. Then, store them in a cool, dark place, where they will ferment for a few weeks.

Practical tips

- Choose fresh vegetables: Make sure the vegetables you use are fresh, without blemishes or signs of damage. The fresher they are, the tastier the pickles will be.
- Variety of flavors: You can experiment with various herbs and spices (such as basil or hot pepper) to give a unique taste to your pickles.
- Fermentation time: The pickles will be ready to consume after about 2-3 weeks, but they can be stored for several months. The flavor will become more intense as time passes.

Nutritional benefits

Pickles are extremely beneficial for health! They are rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy gut flora. Additionally, pickled vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, which contribute to strengthening the immune system.

Possible variations

- Spicy pickles: Add hot peppers or chili flakes in the jars for a spicy touch.
- Sweet pickles: You can add a dash of sugar to the brine to create a sweet-sour combination.
- Pickles with other vegetables: Try adding beets, radishes, or leeks for a variety of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables for pickles?
Yes, you can use any vegetables you like, such as beets, leeks, or zucchini. Each vegetable adds a unique note to the pickles.

2. How long do pickles last?
If stored properly, pickles can last for several months, even up to a year.

3. How can I check if the pickles are ready?
Taste a vegetable from the jar after 2-3 weeks. If you like the taste, it means they are ready!

Serving

Assorted pickles are ideal as a side dish for roasts, sausages, or various meat dishes. You can also add them to salads or serve them as appetizers, alongside a refreshing drink or a light white wine.

In conclusion, colorful assorted pickles are not just a simple recipe but also a tradition full of history and diverse flavors. Whether you prepare them to enjoy alone or to share with loved ones, this recipe will bring a touch of joy to every meal. So, let’s sit at the table, because I’m bringing the pickles! Who’s bringing the roast?