Muntenească recipe for pickled bell peppers

Wash the peppers well and clean them by removing the core and all the seeds. Then, cut them into suitable slices, about 3 cm wide. The slices of pepper are ideal for preserving in vinegar, providing a delicious taste and vibrant color to your dishes. In a large pot, prepare a mixture of water and vinegar, adding white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, depending on your preference. The ideal ratio is 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, but you can adjust to taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil, adding a few aromatic spices: salt, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, and optionally, a few garlic cloves for extra flavor. Stir well to dissolve the salt and sugar. Once the solution starts to boil, add the pepper slices. Let it boil for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft but do not break apart.

Meanwhile, prepare clean and sterilized jars. It is important to use glass jars with airtight lids to prevent any contamination. After boiling, remove the pepper slices from the pot using a slotted spoon and place them in the jars, filling them evenly.

After filling the jars with peppers, pour the preserving liquid over them, ensuring that the slices are completely covered. Close the jars with the lids, tightening them well. Place the jars in a large pot of hot water, making sure the water reaches the necks of the jars. Boil them for about 15-20 minutes to ensure a good seal.

After this time, remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely. Ensure that a vacuum is formed by checking the lid; if it is well sealed, the center of the lid should not pop up. After cooling, store the jars in a cool, dark place. The preserved peppers will be ready to consume after a few weeks, when the flavors have perfectly blended. They make an excellent accompaniment to meat dishes or can be used in salads, bringing a fresh taste and a splash of color to the plate. Enjoy them with pleasure!