Pickled bell peppers with cauliflower

Peppers with Cauliflower in Vinegar - A Winter Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars

The cold season is approaching, and nothing compares to the fresh taste of pickled vegetables. Peppers with cauliflower in vinegar are a perfect choice to add a splash of color and flavor to every meal. This simple and easy-to-make recipe will transform summer vegetables into winter delicacies, preserving their aroma and crunchy texture.

A Brief Story of the Recipe

Pickles are part of the culinary tradition of many cultures, being an ingenious method of preserving vegetables. Peppers, with their natural sweetness, and cauliflower, with its firm texture, complement each other perfectly, offering a dish that brings family nostalgia and moments spent at the Christmas table. This pickled peppers recipe is a combination of simple ingredients but with a rich history, loved by generations.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3.5 kg peppers
- 1 large cauliflower
- 1 liter vinegar
- 180 g sugar
- 200 ml oil
- 2 tablespoons salt
- Peppercorns (about 10-12)
- Bay leaves (3-4 leaves)
- 250-300 ml water

Step by Step in Preparing Peppers with Cauliflower

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Washing and Cleaning the Peppers:
Wash the peppers well under cold running water. Remove the stem and shake them to get rid of the seeds. This is an essential step, as the seeds could give a bitter taste to the pickles.

2. Cutting the Peppers:
Cut the peppers into slices about 1-2 cm thick. These slices will better absorb the vinegar flavor.

3. Preparing the Cauliflower:
Wash the cauliflower and break it into small florets. Make sure they are uniform for even fermentation.

Step 2: Preparing the Vinegar Mixture

1. Vinegar Mixture:
In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, oil, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves broken into small pieces. These ingredients will create a flavorful liquid that will penetrate the peppers and cauliflower.

2. Boiling the Liquid:
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This will allow the ingredients to combine and release their flavors.

Step 3: Cooking the Peppers and Cauliflower

1. Adding the Vegetables:
Once the liquid starts to boil, carefully add two handfuls of peppers and one handful of cauliflower. Allow them to boil for 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for the vinegar flavor to penetrate.

2. Transferring to Jars:
Remove the vegetables with a spatula and immediately place them in sterilized jars. It is important that the jars are warm to avoid thermal shock.

3. Repeat the Process:
Continue adding peppers and cauliflower to the pot and transferring them to jars until all the vegetables are cooked.

Step 4: Filling the Jars

1. Pouring the Hot Liquid:
After filling the jars with vegetables, carefully pour the hot vinegar mixture over them. Make sure the vegetables are completely covered.

2. Sealing the Jars:
Seal the jars tightly, ensuring there are no air pockets.

3. Heating the Jars:
Place the jars wrapped in a thick blanket. This will help with the fermentation process, keeping the heat for a longer period.

4. Cooling:
Let the jars cool completely wrapped, then store them in a cool, dark place where they can ferment for at least a month.

Tips and Tricks

- Sterilizing the Jars: It is essential to sterilize the jars before use. You can do this by boiling them or washing them in the dishwasher.

- Adjusting the Flavor: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add more sugar. Also, if you like a spicier flavor, you can add hot peppers or garlic.

- Labeling: Don’t forget to label the jars with the date you prepared them, so you know when they are ready to consume.

Delicious Combinations and Serving

Peppers with cauliflower in vinegar are a perfect accompaniment to roasts, stews, or potato dishes. You can serve them alongside a meat pie or even as part of a winter salad. They are also ideal to be added to sandwiches or burgers for an extra crunch and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Peppers are rich in vitamin C, while cauliflower contains antioxidants and fiber, being beneficial for digestion. Pickles are also a good source of probiotics, which support gut health.

Calories

A serving of peppers with cauliflower in vinegar (approximately 100g) contains about 50-70 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can add carrots or cucumbers to diversify the recipe.

2. How long can I keep the pickles?
If stored correctly, they can last up to a year. Make sure the jars are well sealed and stored in a cool place.

3. Is sterilizing the jars necessary?
Yes, sterilization is essential to prevent bacteria growth and ensure long-term preservation.

In conclusion, peppers with cauliflower in vinegar are a simple and delicious recipe that brings a touch of summer into your winter. With a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicacy that will delight family and friends. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the fruits of your labor at every meal!