Pickled cucumbers with cauliflower

Pickled Green Tomatoes with Cauliflower - Recipe for a Delicious Pickle

Pickles are an essential part of culinary tradition, enriching our meals with intense and healthy flavors. Pickled green tomatoes with cauliflower are an excellent choice to add a touch of freshness and vitality to your dishes. This simple and effective recipe will provide you with a delicious snack and a perfect accompaniment to various meals. Let's start the adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Sterilization time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 11 jars of 400 ml

Necessary ingredients
- 3 kg of green tomatoes (choose large, preferably green-red ones)
- 1 large cauliflower (approximately 1 kg)
- 2 large onions
- Celery leaves (about 5-6 leaves)
- 11 cloves of garlic
- 11 tablespoons of mustard seeds
- 3 tablespoons of peppercorns
- 11 bay leaves
- 6-7 tablespoons of salt
- 300 ml of vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar)
- 250 g of sugar (optional, for a sweet-sour taste)

Necessary utensils
- 400 ml jars (preferably previously sterilized)
- A large pot
- Cooking stove
- A clean cloth (cheesecloth is ideal)
- A knife and a cutting board

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the green tomatoes under a stream of cold water. Choose firm tomatoes without spots to ensure a quality pickle. Cut them into slices or smaller pieces, depending on your preferred size. If you have very large tomatoes, you can cut them into 6-8 pieces.

Peel the onions and slice them thinly. Wash the cauliflower and break it into small florets so that it fits well in the jars.

Step 2: Assembling the jars
After preparing all the ingredients, take the sterilized jars and place a layer of green tomatoes, followed by a layer of cauliflower and onion. Continue to alternate the layers until the jars are full. Add a bay leaf, a clove of garlic, a few peppercorns, and a teaspoon of mustard seeds to each jar.

Step 3: Preparing the pickling liquid
In a large pot, bring approximately 4 liters of water to a boil. Add the salt, vinegar, sugar (if you want a sweet-sour taste), and mix well. Wait for the liquid to boil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Pouring the liquid into jars
After the liquid has boiled, carefully pour it over the green tomatoes and cauliflower, filling the jars to the brim. Make sure the ingredients are completely covered by the liquid, and then put the lid on each jar. It is important that the jars are sealed to prevent any air from entering.

Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
Fill a large pot with water and place a cloth at the bottom. Arrange the jars in the pot, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them boil for 15-20 minutes. This sterilization process is essential to ensure that the pickles last long-term.

Step 6: Cooling and storing
After sterilization, remove the jars and let them cool between blankets for 2-3 days. This helps to form an airtight seal. Once they have completely cooled, you can store them in a pantry or a cool, dark place.

Useful tips
- Choose the best ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables without spots or signs of damage. The taste of the pickles greatly depends on the quality of the ingredients.
- Adding spices: You can experiment with other spices, such as hot peppers or dill, to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Sugar is optional: If you prefer a sour pickle, you can omit the sugar. However, it adds a pleasant flavor and balances the taste.
- Maintaining the pickles: Check the jars at regular intervals to ensure there are no signs of fermentation or damage.

Nutritional information
This recipe for pickled green tomatoes with cauliflower offers an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and fiber. Pickles contribute to digestive health and can help maintain a healthy gut flora. A serving of pickles (approximately 100 g) contains about 30 calories, making it a light and healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions
1. How long can I keep the pickles?
Pickles can be kept for 6-12 months if stored under optimal conditions, in a cool and dark place.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can add carrots, bell peppers, or even cucumbers to vary the recipe.

3. How can I serve pickled green tomatoes with cauliflower?
These pickles are excellent alongside meats, salads, or as appetizers. They enrich dishes with a tangy note, and their flavors complement various sauces perfectly.

Conclusion
Pickled green tomatoes with cauliflower are a delicious and healthy choice for any meal. Take a little time to prepare them and enjoy their flavors throughout the year. These pickles are not just a part of culinary tradition but also a way to bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to every meal. Perhaps, like me, you will discover that each jar has a story to tell, a childhood memory, or a recipe passed down through generations. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!