Pickled bell peppers

Pickled Peppers - A Family Recipe that Brings the Magic of Autumn into Jars

Do you remember those beautiful autumn days when the aroma of fresh vegetables filled the house? The pickled pepper recipe I will present to you today is one of those family recipes, lovingly passed down from my mother, that should not be missing from any housewife's pantry. It is a simple recipe but with an incredible taste, perfect for adding a touch of freshness and flavor to winter meals.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 4 jars of 800 g

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg cleaned bell peppers, cut into quarters
- 600 ml vinegar
- 1.2 l water
- 2 heaping tablespoons sugar
- 1 heaping tablespoon salt
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 10-12 peppercorns

Preparation of pickled peppers:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning the bell peppers. Wash them well under a stream of cold water, then remove the stems and seeds. Cut them into quarters so they fit easily into jars. You can use various colors of bell peppers to make a more attractive pickle.

2. Boiling the liquid
In a large pot, add 1.2 liters of water, 600 ml of vinegar, the 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of salt, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for the liquid to start boiling. This is an essential step, as these spices will give the peppers their specific flavor.

3. Blanching the peppers
When the liquid reaches boiling point, carefully add the cut peppers. Blanch them for 1-2 minutes, just enough to change color and absorb the flavors from the pot, but not so much that they become soft. This technique helps to maintain the crunchy texture of the peppers.

4. Packing into jars
After the peppers have been blanched, remove them with a spatula or slotted spoon and place them in a bowl. Once you have ensured that all jars are ready (preferably 800 g), start placing them carefully into the jars. Fill the jars tightly with peppers to avoid air pockets.

5. Adding the liquid
After placing the peppers, pour the hot liquid from the pot over them, ensuring that the peppers are completely covered. This is the essence of pickles - the liquid that preserves the flavor and freshness of the vegetables.

6. Sealing the jars
Screw the lids tightly onto the jars and place them upside down on a blanket. This trick helps create a vacuum, ensuring optimal preservation. Leave them to cool this way until the next day.

7. Storing and serving
Once the jars have completely cooled, place them in the pantry. Pickled peppers can be stored for up to 2 years, but if you want to enjoy their taste quickly, you can open a jar after just 2 weeks.

Useful tips:
- You can adjust the amount of sugar and salt according to your personal preferences.
- If you like more intense flavors, add a few cloves of garlic or even hot peppers to the jars.
- Use high-quality vinegar for a more pleasant flavor.
- Make sure that the jars and lids are well sterilized to prevent bacterial growth.

Nutritional benefits:
Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, being rich in antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system. Additionally, pickles contribute to digestive health through lactic acid fermentation, which helps maintain gut flora.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can other vegetables be used? Yes, you can add carrots or celery to diversify the flavor.
- How can I tell if the jars are sealed correctly? Check if the lids are bulging inward. If they are, it means the sealing was done correctly.

Serving suggestions:
Pickled peppers are a perfect accompaniment for roasts, sandwiches, or even as a garnish in salads. I love serving them alongside creamy goat cheese and a few slices of toasted bread - a delicious combination of flavors and textures!

By making this pickled pepper recipe, you not only enjoy a delicious snack throughout the winter but also reminisce about the beautiful moments spent with family. So, don't hesitate any longer and start preparing these delights! I assure you that each jar will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!