Pickled Salad

Pickled Salad Recipe: A Delicacy for Your Winter

When it comes to winter, nothing compares to a tasty pickled salad that brings a touch of freshness to your meals. This pickled salad recipe is a perfect combination of vegetables, seasoned with spices and oil, that will delight your taste buds. Additionally, it is an excellent way to preserve garden vegetables for the cold days.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 8-10 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 kg green tomatoes
- 2 kg carrots
- 4 kg bell peppers
- 2 jars of Tecuci mustard
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of oil
- 2 cups of wine vinegar
- 2 packets of preservative
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sterilized jars (variable quantity depending on jar size)

A bit of history:

Pickled salad holds a special place in culinary tradition, being one of those dishes passed down from generation to generation. Preserving vegetables through pickling is an ancient practice, aimed not only at extending their shelf life but also at enriching meals with diverse flavors and textures. What began as a necessity has, over time, become an art, and this pickled salad is a perfect example.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
- Start by thoroughly washing the green tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. Ensure all vegetables are clean to avoid contamination of the pickles.
- Grate the green tomatoes and carrots. If you don't have a grater, you can cut them into small cubes. Keep the consistency uniform, so the salad is pleasant to serve.
- Cut the bell peppers into thin strips after removing the seeds. This step is essential as the peppers add not only flavor but also a vibrant color.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
- Take a large pot (XXL size, as suggested by the recipe) and add all the grated and chopped vegetables.
- Add the oil, sugar, wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. These ingredients are essential for achieving a balanced and flavorful taste.

3. Cooking the salad:
- Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture boil. Wait for it to come to a few boils, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After boiling, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to combine.

4. Finalizing the preparation:
- Dissolve the preservative in hot water according to the instructions on the package. Once the mixture in the pot has completely cooled, add the mustard and mix well to ensure an even distribution.
- Place the salad in sterilized jars, being careful to leave a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly, ensuring they are airtight.

5. Storing:
- Place the jars in a cool, dark place where they can remain well-sealed. The pickled salad is ready to delight you throughout the winter!

Practical tips:

- Sterilizing jars: Make sure the jars are properly sterilized before filling them. You can do this by boiling them for 10 minutes or using the oven.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables of your choice, such as celery or cucumbers, to customize the salad to your preferences.
- Serving: The pickled salad can be enjoyed as a side dish with meat dishes, but also as an appetizer. You can pair it with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer to complete the culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
- Yes, you can experiment with different vegetables depending on the season and your preferences. Celery root or cucumbers can add an interesting note.

2. How long can I keep the pickled salad?
- If properly preserved, the salad can be kept for up to a year. Make sure the jars are airtight and stored in a cool place.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
- Yes! The pickled salad is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Additionally, vinegar has digestive benefits.

4. How can I make the salad spicier?
- Add a bit of hot pepper or spicy seasonings to the vegetable mixture for a spicier flavor.

In conclusion, this pickled salad recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a delicious taste, perfect for any winter meal. So embrace tradition and enjoy the flavors of this salad that will accompany you throughout the cold season!