Pickled gherkins

Pickled Tomatoes – An Authentic Winter Treat

How wonderful are the moments when we can enjoy the fresh taste of summer even in the middle of winter! Pickled tomatoes are a true delicacy, full of flavor and the benefits of fermented vegetables. This simple yet valuable recipe helps us preserve our vegetables naturally, bringing an explosion of aromas and a crunchy texture to the plate. Let's discover together how to prepare these pickled tomatoes!

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Fermentation time: 1 day
Number of servings: 5 jars of 1 liter

Ingredients:

- 5 kg fresh tomatoes
- 1 large ear of corn, well-ripened
- Fresh celery leaves (about 10-15 leaves)
- 5 tablespoons coarse salt
- 5 liters of water

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes

Start by washing the tomatoes well under a stream of cold water. It is important to remove any impurities or pesticide residues, so make sure to clean them thoroughly. After washing, remove the stems, being careful not to cut too deep to avoid affecting the texture of the tomatoes. These vegetables will be the base of your pickles, so make sure to choose firm and healthy tomatoes.

Step 2: Preparing the jars

Now that you have prepared the tomatoes, it is time to take care of the jars. Choose 1-liter jars that need to be clean and perfectly dry. In each jar, place a few celery leaves at the bottom to add flavor and help with fermentation.

Step 3: Assembling the ingredients

Start filling the jars with tomatoes, leaving a little space at the top for the liquid. Between layers of tomatoes, add a few cleaned corn kernels. The corn not only adds a touch of sweetness but also a pleasant appearance to your pickles.

Step 4: Preparing the brine

Now it's time to prepare the brine. In a large pot, add 5 liters of water and 5 tablespoons of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the salt completely dissolves in the water. It is essential not to boil the brine but just to warm it up for the salt to dissolve. After it has completely cooled, pour the brine into the jars until the tomatoes are fully covered.

Step 5: Finalizing the process

After filling all the jars, add a few more celery leaves on top to keep the ingredients submerged in the liquid. Then, close the jars with their lids. It is important to store them in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight, for one day.

Step 6: Enjoying the pickled tomatoes

After 24 hours, your pickles are ready to be enjoyed! These pickled tomatoes can be added to salads, served as a side dish with meat dishes, or simply eaten as an appetizer. Their spicy and crunchy flavor will enhance any dish.

Practical tips:

- Choose tomatoes of the same size for even pickling.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or garlic to the jars.
- Periodically check the jars to ensure the tomatoes are covered by the brine. If necessary, you can add more brine.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can also add vinegar to the brine, but this will slightly change the texture of the tomatoes.

Nutritional benefits:

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Pickles, in general, have a beneficial effect on the gut flora due to the probiotics generated during fermentation. They can aid digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, you can replace the corn with carrots or onions to add a different note to your pickles. You can also use different herbs, such as dill or coriander, to add a distinct flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Why is it important to keep the tomatoes submerged in brine?
It is essential to keep the vegetables under liquid to prevent mold from forming and to ensure even fermentation.

2. How long can I keep the pickled tomatoes?
If stored properly, pickled tomatoes can be consumed for several months, depending on your fermentation preferences.

3. How can I check if the tomatoes are correctly fermented?
Correctly fermented tomatoes will have a sour taste and a crunchy texture. If you notice an unpleasant smell or mold, you should discard them.

4. What other dishes can pickled tomatoes be combined with?
These pickles pair perfectly with meat dishes, sandwiches, salads, or even in a soup for an extra flavor boost.

I hope this pickled tomato recipe inspires you to fill your pantry with delicious treats! Cooking is an art, and every recipe we prepare brings us closer to traditions and enjoying culinary moments with loved ones. Don't forget to share the final result with family and friends – they will surely appreciate your effort!