Pickled bell peppers for winter

Pickled Peppers for Winter

Do you dream of the unmistakable taste of pickled peppers, crunchy and flavored, that complete family meals, especially in the cold season? This simple and quick recipe for pickled peppers might be exactly what you were looking for! I will show you how to prepare this delicacy, step by step, so you can enjoy their wonderful taste throughout the winter.

Total time: 24 hours (waiting time included)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Storage time: 2-3 months
Number of servings: Approximately 80 servings

Ingredients

- 80 red peppers
- 1 liter vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar for a milder taste)
- 250 g sugar
- 150 g salt (sea salt for a more pronounced flavor)
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 10-15 peppercorns (black or white, according to preference)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1-2 horseradish roots, peeled and cut into strips
- 1/4 teaspoon salicylic acid (as a preservative)

A Brief History of the Recipe

Pickling vegetables is an ancient practice used to preserve fresh produce but also to enhance flavors. Peppers, with their crunchy texture and sweet-sour aroma, are a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from roasts to salads. This pickled pepper recipe is not only simple but also full of tradition, with deep roots in culinary culture.

Step by Step: Preparing Pickled Peppers

1. Preparing the peppers:
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the peppers. Use a sharp knife to make this operation easy. Then, cut the peppers into quarters, ensuring the pieces are the right size for pickling.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the cut peppers, then sprinkle salt, sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and pieces of horseradish. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring that the peppers are evenly coated.

3. Letting it macerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. This step is crucial as it allows the peppers to release their natural juice, which will form a delicious marinade.

4. Preparing the pickling solution:
After the peppers have macerated, you will notice they have released a considerable amount of juice. Strain this juice and place it in a pot. Add the vinegar and salicylic acid, mixing well.

5. Filling the jars:
Prepare sterilized jars, ensuring they are dry. Fill each jar with the pieces of peppers, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Then, pour the warm marinade over the peppers, ensuring they are completely covered.

6. Sealing the jars:
Close each jar with a lid, making sure they are well sealed. Boiling the jars is not necessary, which makes this recipe extremely simple!

7. Storage:
Place the jars in a cool, dark place where they will ferment and keep perfectly for winter.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the peppers: Opt for well-ripened peppers with an even color and no blemishes. These will provide the best results.
- Flavoring: You can also add other spices, such as cumin or garlic, to give your dish a personalized taste.
- Preservation: Salicylic acid is an effective natural preservative, but make sure to respect the indicated amount to avoid any health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I keep pickled peppers?
Pickled peppers can be kept for up to 2-3 months if stored correctly.

2. Can I use other vegetables in combination with the peppers?
Of course! You can add carrots, cucumbers, or onions to create a mixed pickle.

3. What can I do with pickled peppers?
They are ideal as a side dish for roasts, in salads, or even in sandwiches.

Possible Variations

If you want to explore other variations of this recipe, you can try using apple cider vinegar for a sweeter note or experiment with different herbs, such as dill or basil, to add a unique flavor to each jar.

Serving Suggestions

Pickled peppers can be served alongside a juicy roast or in meat sandwiches. You can also add them to a winter salad, alongside feta cheese and olives, for a mix of flavors that will impress everyone.

In conclusion, preparing pickled peppers is a satisfying activity that will remind you of family moments. With this recipe, you will be able to savor the taste of summer even on the coldest winter days. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your chef's clothes and start your culinary adventure!