Pickled bell peppers

Pickled Peppers – A Crunchy and Aromatic Delicacy

Who doesn't love the fresh and crunchy taste of pickled peppers? This traditional recipe brings a touch of summer into every winter, turning peppers into perfect accompaniments for any meal. Pickled peppers are not only a delicious choice but also an excellent way to preserve garden vegetables for the cold season. Let's discover together how to prepare these treats step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400g

Ingredients

- 6 kg peppers
- 500 g horseradish (peeled and cut into strips)
- 250 g hot peppers (optional, for an extra kick)
- 3-4 bunches of dried thyme
- 3-4 bunches of dried dill
- Fresh celery leaves
- For the brine:
- 2 L water
- 1 L vinegar (9%)
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 4 tablespoons sugar

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for the brine
- A sharp knife
- Clean, dry jars (preferably glass)
- A container for cooling the peppers
- A ladle

Step by Step

1. Prepare the peppers
Start by washing the peppers well under cold running water. Cut them in half and remove the seeds. It is essential that the peppers are fresh and firm to achieve a quality pickle.

2. Boil the brine
In a large pot, add the water, vinegar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure that the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

3. Blanch the peppers
When the brine starts to boil, add half a pepper at a time. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes, so they soften slightly but remain crunchy. Blanching helps infuse flavors and maintain vibrant color.

4. Prepare the jars
While the peppers are blanching, prepare the jars. Place a few celery leaves, strips of horseradish, thyme, and dried dill at the bottom of each jar. These will add a delicious aroma to the pickles.

5. Pack the peppers
Once the peppers have been blanched, let them cool slightly. Carefully place the pepper halves in the jars, interspersing with strips of hot pepper if you want a spicy taste. Fill the jars almost to the top, leaving a little space for the liquid.

6. Add the brine
Once the peppers are arranged, take the hot brine and pour it over the peppers, ensuring they are completely covered. This will help preserve them and enhance the flavors.

7. Seal the jars
Seal the jars tightly with their lids and place them in a preheated oven at 100°C. Leave them there to sterilize until the next day. This step is crucial to ensure that the pickles will last for a long time.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality peppers: Make sure they are firm, without spots or bruises. Smaller peppers are often sweeter and more flavorful.
- Spice variations: You can experiment by adding garlic or fresh dill for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage: Once opened, jars of pickled peppers should be kept in the fridge and consumed within a few weeks.

Nutritional Benefits

Peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, contributing to strengthening the immune system and maintaining skin health. Pickles, in general, aid digestion due to the probiotics generated during the fermentation process, making them a healthy choice for your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the taste will vary.

2. What can I do if I don't have horseradish?
Horseradish can be omitted, but it is recommended for its distinct flavor. You can substitute it with a bit of crushed garlic for a different note.

Delicious Combinations

Pickled peppers pair perfectly with grilled meats, summer salads, or even on a cheese tartine. Additionally, a cold beer or a dry white wine will perfectly complement your meal.

Personal Note

This pickled pepper recipe reminds me of the moments spent with family, when we gathered around the table to enjoy traditional dishes. It is not just a recipe, but an opportunity to create cherished memories. So, let’s enjoy this process together and bring a little bit of summer magic into the cold winter days!

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!