Pickled gherkins

Pickled Green Tomatoes - A Tasty Recipe for Winter

Get ready to enjoy a summer delicacy all year round: pickled green tomatoes! This recipe is not only an excellent way to preserve your garden's bounty but also an opportunity to add a splash of flavor to your autumn and winter meals. Green tomatoes, a type of unripe tomato, are perfect for pickling due to their crunchy texture and slightly tangy taste.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: Approximately 4 jars of 1 liter

Essential Ingredients
- 2 kg green tomatoes (well washed)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh or dried thyme
- 2-3 slices of horseradish
- 2-3 mustard seeds
- 1-2 peppercorns
- 1-2 carrots (sliced)
- 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for added spice)
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 10 tablespoons of salt (pickling salt)
- 200 ml vinegar
- 150 g sugar
- 10 liters of water (for brine)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Tomatoes
Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Ensure no impurities remain, as they can affect the taste of the pickles.

2. Preparing the Jars
Sterilize the jars and lids you will use. This step is essential to prevent bacterial growth and keep the pickles fresh for as long as possible. You can sterilize jars in the oven or by boiling them.

3. Arranging Ingredients in Jars
In each jar, add a clove of garlic, a few slices of horseradish, mustard seeds, a few slices of carrot, hot pepper, bay leaves, and some sprigs of dill and thyme. Pack the green tomatoes into the jar, leaving a little space between them to allow the brine to circulate.

4. Preparing the Brine
In a large pot, add 10 liters of water, 10 tablespoons of salt, 200 ml of vinegar, 150 g of sugar, peppercorns, and a few bay leaves. Boil the mixture until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. This is the essence of your pickles, so don’t skip this step.

5. Filling the Jars with Brine
Pour the hot brine into the jars, ensuring that all ingredients are completely covered. Leave the jars uncovered for a day to allow steam to escape.

6. Finalizing and Storing
The next day, check the jars. If you notice that some ingredients have floated, you can add a little water to ensure everything is covered. Seal the jars and store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry.

Practical Tips
- Ingredients: Use quality green tomatoes, free of blemishes or defects. Fresh dill and thyme add a distinctive flavor, but you can also experiment with other herbs like oregano or basil.
- Variations: You can add spices like coriander or hot pepper for a more intense flavor. Additionally, you can try replacing some of the water with tomato juice for a more flavorful brine.
- Serving: Pickled green tomatoes are excellent as a side dish with meat or fish dishes, but also as appetizers alongside cheeses and cold cuts. You can also use them in salads or sandwiches.

Nutritional Information
Green tomatoes are rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, and are low in calories, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. A serving (about 100 g) contains around 30 calories, making them an excellent option for snacks between meals.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of vegetables for pickling?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like cucumbers, cabbage, or carrots.

2. How long can pickled green tomatoes be stored?
If stored correctly, pickled green tomatoes can last up to a year.

3. Can I eat pickled green tomatoes directly from the jar?
Of course! Pickled green tomatoes are delicious and can be eaten straight from the jar as a snack.

4. What drinks pair well with pickled green tomatoes?
We recommend a dry white wine or a light beer that perfectly complements the tangy flavor of the tomatoes.

In conclusion, this pickled green tomato recipe not only provides a simple and delicious way to preserve vegetables but also adds a personal touch to each jar. I encourage you to write your own story in every recipe. Enjoy!