Pickled cherry gherkins

Cherry Green Tomato Pickles - A Homemade Delight

Every year, as summer turns into fall, our gardens fill with delicious produce. Cherry green tomatoes, these little green wonders, become the perfect ingredient for pickles. Today's recipe is a combination of cherry green tomatoes, crunchy cauliflower, and sweet carrots, all blended with horseradish for a spicy and refreshing taste. These cherry green tomato pickles are not just a delicacy, but also a great way to preserve the flavors of summer for winter.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Fermentation time: 2-3 days (depending on temperature)
Number of servings: 2 jars (4 kg and 800 g)

Ingredients

- 1 kg cherry green tomatoes (small green tomatoes)
- 1 kg elongated red tomatoes (for color and flavor contrast)
- 3 large carrots (for sweetness and crunchy texture)
- a few cauliflower florets (about 300-400 g)
- 1 piece of horseradish (about 100 g)
- 1 packet of "spicy fix" (according to your spicy preferences)
- Water (enough to cover the vegetables)
- Salt (preferably coarse salt, without additives)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Washing and Cleaning: Start by thoroughly washing the cherry green tomatoes and elongated red tomatoes. It's essential to ensure there are no impurities on the skin, as they can affect fermentation.

2. Cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into small florets, being careful not to make them too small so they don't break apart during fermentation. Wash them well, just like the tomatoes.

3. Carrots: Peel the carrots, then slice them into rounds about 1 cm thick. They will add a sweet note and a pleasant texture to the pickles.

4. Horseradish: Peel the horseradish and cut it lengthwise into strips. This will provide a distinctive taste and extra spiciness.

Step 2: Assemble the Jars

1. Packing the Ingredients: In a clean 4 kg jar, start layering the ingredients. Place the cauliflower florets first, followed by the cherry green tomatoes and carrot rounds. Repeat the layers, alternating between tomatoes and cauliflower, until the jar is full. Make sure the ingredients are tightly packed to prevent air from getting in during fermentation.

2. Horseradish: Finally, place the strips of horseradish on top of the pickles.

Step 3: Prepare the Brine

1. Brine: Prepare the brine according to the instructions on the "spicy fix" package. Usually, you mix one packet of the mix with water and salt, but you can adjust the amount of salt to taste.

2. Fill the Jars: Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely covered. Leave a little space at the top of the jar, as the vegetables may ferment and produce gases.

Step 4: Fermentation

1. Seal the Jar: Seal the jar with a lid, but do not tighten it too much, as it's important for the gases produced during fermentation to escape.

2. Location: Place the jars in a warm spot (about 20-25 degrees Celsius) for 2-3 days. You will notice that as fermentation progresses, the jars will start to form bubbles.

Practical Tips

- Checking Fermentation: Check the jars daily to ensure no mold has formed. If you see any impurities on the surface, remove them with a clean spoon.

- Taste: After 2-3 days, you can taste the pickles. If you prefer them tangier, let them sit for a few more days. If you prefer a milder taste, transfer them to a cooler location.

- Storage: Once the pickles are ready, you can transfer them to smaller, airtight jars and keep them in the refrigerator. This way, you can enjoy them throughout the winter.

Variations and Combinations

- Adding Spices: You can add mustard seeds, pepper, or even garlic for an extra flavor boost.
- Varied Vegetables: Instead of cauliflower, you can experiment with cabbage, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
- Serving: These pickles are excellent alongside cheese platters, cured meats, or even in sandwiches. They provide a wonderful contrast to grilled meats or fish dishes.

Nutritional Benefits

Pickles are not only delicious but also healthy. They are a good source of probiotics, which contribute to digestive health. Additionally, green tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while carrots provide a boost of beta-carotene, beneficial for vision and the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with various vegetables, such as bell peppers, radishes, or leeks.

2. How long do pickles last?
If stored properly, pickles can last for several months, even up to a year.

3. Can I make pickles without using "spicy fix"?
Absolutely! You can create your own brine with water, salt, and vinegar, adding your favorite spices.

4. How can I improve the texture of the pickles?
Ensure all vegetables are fresh and packed tightly in the jar. You can also add a little sugar to the brine to balance the acidity.

Personal Note

Making cherry green tomato pickles is a tradition that brings back fond childhood memories. Every year, I eagerly await the opportunity to make these pickles, which not only enrich winter meals but also bring a touch of summer to every bite. Don't forget to share them with loved ones, as each jar full of fermented vegetables holds not just flavors but also stories.

So, get ready to transform these cherry green tomatoes into delicious pickles that will impress everyone!