Pickled peppers

Pickled bell peppers - a classic recipe full of flavor

Pickled bell peppers are a traditional delicacy, a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from roasts to salads. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with goodies but will also bring a sense of nostalgia to every meal, evoking memories of family gatherings and moments spent around the table. Let's discover together how to prepare these pickled bell peppers, step by step!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Active time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1.5 hours
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 10 kg bell peppers
- 5 l water
- 1 l vinegar (preferably 9%)
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons salt (non-iodized salt is recommended)

Ingredient usage:
Bell peppers are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Vinegar not only adds flavor to the peppers but also helps preserve them, giving them a crunchy texture. Sugar and salt are essential to balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the flavors.

1. Preparing the bell peppers:
Start by washing the bell peppers thoroughly under cold water. Removing the seeds is essential; you can use a sharp knife to cut them in half or into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. A good idea is to choose bell peppers of uniform size to ensure even preservation.

2. Preparing the brine:
In a large pot, add the 5 liters of water and 1 liter of vinegar. Place over medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the sugar and salt. Stir well to ensure they dissolve completely. The brine should boil for about 5-10 minutes until you see that the sugar and salt have completely dissolved.

3. Blanching the bell peppers:
Once the brine is ready, add the bell peppers to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged. Blanch them for 5-7 minutes; this process will help them retain their crunchy texture and facilitate the absorption of flavors. Use a spatula to gently stir them, making sure all the peppers are exposed to the brine.

4. Packing into jars:
Once the bell peppers are blanched, remove them with a slotted spoon and carefully place them into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. It is important to use clean and dry jars to avoid spoilage. You can use 400 g glass jars or larger, depending on your preference.

5. Filling the jars with brine:
After filling the jars with bell peppers, let the brine cool slightly, then pour it over the peppers, ensuring they are completely covered. This step is crucial to prevent oxidation and ensure optimal preservation.

6. Sealing and storing:
Once the jars are filled, screw the lids on tightly. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor. Pickled bell peppers are ready to eat after about a month, but the longer they sit, the more intense the flavors become.

Serving suggestions:
Pickled bell peppers are delicious as a side dish alongside roasts, stews, or in sandwiches. You can also add them to salads, where they will bring an extra burst of flavor and color. A great idea is to serve them alongside goat cheese or feta for a contrast of flavors.

Recipe variations:
To customize the recipe, you can experiment with spices such as peppercorns, bay leaves, or garlic. These will add an extra note of flavor and transform the bell peppers into a unique delicacy.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of vinegar? Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the result will differ in flavor.
- How can I check if the jars have sealed properly? After the jars have cooled, gently press down on the lid; if it doesn’t pop back up, the jar is sealed properly.
- How long can I keep pickled bell peppers? If stored properly, they can last up to a year.

Nutritional benefits:
Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, and they are low in calories. Eating bell peppers can support the immune system, skin health, and digestion.

Pickled bell peppers are more than just a simple preserve; they are a part of culinary tradition, a symbol of summer preserved in jars to bring joy on winter days. So embrace this recipe and enjoy the flavor of preserved bell peppers, which will always bring a smile to your face!