Pickled peppers

Pickled Peppers - A Traditional Recipe for Delicious Preserves

Pickled peppers are an excellent choice for adding a touch of freshness and flavor to your dishes. This pickled pepper recipe is not only simple but also bursting with colors and aromas that will remind you of festive meals from your childhood. These crunchy peppers can be served alongside various dishes, from roasts to salads, and are an excellent source of vitamins. So, get ready to transform your garden vegetables into winter delights!

Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12 jars of 800 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 5 kg peppers
- 2 kg cauliflower
- 1 celery with leaves
- 2 carrots
- 2 liters vinegar
- 4-5 tablespoons salt (for pickling)
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar
- Peppercorns
- Mustard seeds
- Water (3 liters)

A bit of history
Pickled peppers are an age-old tradition dating back to times when people sought methods to preserve vegetables for the long winters. These vegetables were not only a food source but also a symbol of abundance and hard work in the household. Vinegar, used as a preserving agent, helps maintain the flavor and texture of the vegetables, turning them into delicious accompaniments for festive meals.

Step by step - Preparing pickled peppers

1. Preparing the peppers
- Wash the peppers thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities.
- Cut each pepper in half and remove the seeds. This will help achieve a crunchier texture.

2. Preparing the pickling liquid
- In a large pot, combine 1 liter of vinegar with 3 liters of water.
- Add 4-5 tablespoons of salt and 4-5 tablespoons of sugar. This will help balance the acidity and add a hint of sweetness to the peppers.
- For each liter of liquid, add 2 additional tablespoons of salt. Thus, for 4 liters, you will have 4 tablespoons of salt and 4 tablespoons of sugar plus the 2 extra tablespoons.

3. Boiling the liquid
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Once it starts boiling, add the cut peppers and let them boil for 5 minutes. This is an important step to soften the peppers, making it easier to fill the jars.

4. Preparing the remaining vegetables
- Peel the carrots and cut them into rounds.
- Break the cauliflower into small florets.
- Chop the celery into small pieces, leaving the leaves whole for extra flavor.

5. Filling the jars
- Wash the jars thoroughly with detergent and rinse them. Sterilize the lids with alcohol.
- In each jar, place half a teaspoon of mustard seeds and 4-5 peppercorns.
- Add a few rounds of carrots, some celery leaves, and cauliflower florets. Then, fill the jar with peppers and add a few celery leaves on top.
- Fill each jar with the hot vinegar liquid, ensuring all vegetables are completely covered.

6. Sealing the jars
- Screw the jar lids on tightly and allow them to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place where they can be perfectly preserved for winter.

Useful tips
- Choosing the peppers: Select healthy peppers, free from spots or signs of damage. They will provide a better texture and a more intense flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers, as well as spices like garlic or bay leaves for extra flavor.
- Serving: Pickled peppers pair wonderfully with roasts, salads, or even on a slice of toasted bread. Enjoy them alongside a refreshing drink or a dry white wine.

Nutritional benefits
Peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, with low calorie content, making them a healthy choice. Cauliflower and celery add fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the result will differ in taste.

- How long can I keep pickled peppers?
If stored in a cool, dark place, pickled peppers can last for up to a year.

- What should I do if I don't have enough jars?
You can adjust the recipe to make a smaller batch, or use smaller jars to preserve the remainder.

In this way, pickled peppers become not just a simple preserve but a delicious story to share with loved ones. So, embrace the tradition and enjoy the authentic taste of pickled vegetables!