Pickled gherkins

Quick Pickled Green Tomatoes Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 2 jars of 5 liters

Pickled green tomatoes are a delicacy that combines sour and slightly sweet flavors, adding a fresh note to any meal. These vegetables are popular among pickle lovers, and the recipe we will explore today is simple, quick, and full of flavor. Moreover, green tomatoes are an excellent health choice, being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

- 1.5 kg green tomatoes (choose healthy, smooth tomatoes without spots)
- 1 liter of water
- 250 ml vinegar (preferably white wine or apple vinegar)
- 5 tablespoons of salt
- 15 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 black peppercorns
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 1 celery root (peeled and cut into sticks or cubes)
- Fresh celery leaves
- Cherry twigs (optional, for flavor)
- 1 carrot (peeled and sliced)
- 5 cloves of garlic (peeled, whole)
- 1-2 mustard seeds (optional, for a more complex taste)
- Parsley root (optional, cut into cubes)
- Hot pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Preparing the ingredients:

1. Wash the green tomatoes: Choose healthy tomatoes, preferably smaller in size, as they pickle better. Wash them well under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Prepare the root vegetables: Peel the carrot and celery root, then cut them into cubes or sticks, as preferred. These will add a sweet taste and pleasant texture to your pickles.

3. Celery leaves and cherry twigs: Wash the celery leaves and cherry twigs to clean them from dirt.

Preparing the pickling solution:

4. Boil the solution: In a large pot, combine 1 liter of water with 250 ml of vinegar, 5 tablespoons of salt, and 15 tablespoons of sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Bring the solution to a boil, then let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

5. Cool the solution: After boiling, take the pot off the heat and let the solution cool slightly. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the green tomatoes.

Assembling the jars:

6. Arrange the green tomatoes: In clean, sterilized jars, place the green tomatoes. If desired, you can poke them slightly with a needle or toothpick to allow the solution to penetrate better.

7. Add root vegetables and spices: Place the celery root cubes, carrot, celery leaves, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and hot pepper among the tomatoes if you opt for a spicier taste.

8. Pour the solution: Fill the jars with the pickling solution, ensuring all ingredients are completely covered. If you notice the solution decreasing, top it up immediately.

9. Seal the jars: Make sure the jars are tightly sealed with lids to prevent air from entering.

Useful tips:

- It is important to use sterilized jars to prevent any contamination. You can sterilize jars in the oven or by boiling them.
- If you want to add extra flavor, experiment with spices like coriander or dill.
- The pickles can be consumed after 2-3 days of preparation, but the taste will intensify over the weeks.

Nutritional benefits:

Green tomatoes are low in calories, with about 20 calories per 100 grams. They are rich in vitamin C and fiber, positively impacting digestion and the immune system. Consuming pickles can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables for pickling?
Yes, you can add vegetables like cucumbers, cauliflower, or carrots to vary the taste.

2. How do I store pickles?
Keep the jars in cool, dark places. Once opened, store them in the refrigerator.

3. What can I serve with pickled green tomatoes?
Pickled green tomatoes are delicious alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or in salads. You can try serving them with a refreshing drink, like mint tea or lemonade.

Possible variations:

If you want to bring a bit of creativity to your recipe, try adding fresh herbs like dill or oregano, or even include a bit of turmeric for vibrant color and additional health benefits.

This quick pickled green tomatoes recipe will not only fill your pantry with a delicious treat but will also bring a touch of nostalgia and tradition to your meals. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its unmistakable flavors!