Pickles

Homemade Pickles with Authentic Flavor

The preparation of pickles is a tradition passed down through generations, serving to preserve vegetables and add a touch of flavor to our meals. This recipe, inherited from my father, represents a true culinary treasure, offering aromatic, slightly spicy pickles perfectly balanced between salty and sour. Ideal to be served alongside meat dishes or simply as a delicious snack, this quick pickle recipe is easy to prepare and can be adapted to individual preferences.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Pickling time: 2 days
Total time: 2 days and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 60 liters of pickles

Ingredients:

- 30 kg of vegetables for pickling (white or pink varieties)
- 2 kg of carrots
- 1 large cauliflower
- 2 pieces of celery with leaves
- 2 pieces of red beets
- 4 large quinces
- 500 g of horseradish
- 500 g of hot peppers
- 2 kg of larger cucumbers
- 2 kg of bell peppers
- 1 kg of Jonathan apples
- 500 g of garlic
- Dried dill flower stalks
- Cherry or oak leaves
- 1 kg of salt
- 25 aspirin tablets (acetylsalicylic acid)
- 30 l of boiled water

Preparing the pickles:

1. Cleaning and preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash them well under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Cut the carrots into sticks, the beets into slices, and the cauliflower into small florets. The quinces can be cut into quarters, while the cucumbers and bell peppers can be left whole or cut in half, depending on your preference.

2. Layering the vegetables: Prepare a 60-liter jar for pickling. Arrange the vegetables in layers, starting with the largest ones like cauliflower and beets, followed by carrots, peppers, and horseradish. Add garlic and apples between the layers. The top layer will consist of dried dill leaves and cherry or oak leaves, which will give your pickles a special flavor.

3. Preparing the brine: In a large container, boil 30 liters of water. Add 1 kg of salt and mix well until completely dissolved. Set the water aside to cool slightly.

4. Pouring the brine: Once the water has cooled, carefully pour it over the vegetables, ensuring that they are completely covered. Place the lid on the jar and leave it in a warm place for about 2 days.

5. Combining the flavors: After two days, take a small amount of liquid from the jar and dissolve 25 aspirin tablets in it. Then pour this solution back into the jar and gently stir the brine to combine all the flavors harmoniously. It is recommended to stir the pickles occasionally to avoid surprises.

Useful tips:

- Proportions for smaller quantities: If you want to prepare a smaller quantity, use 300 g of salt for every 10 liters of water and one aspirin for every 2 liters of liquid.
- Adjusting the spiciness level: You can control the level of heat in the pickles by the amount of hot peppers added. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of peppers.
- Adding spices: You can experiment with additional spices such as peppercorns or bay leaves for an even more complex flavor.
- Share with friends: These pickles are excellent as an appetizer or accompaniment to meat dishes. Share the recipe with your friends and discover various combinations together!

Nutritional benefits: Pickles are rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to healthy digestion due to the probiotics formed during fermentation. They can also help strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How often can I stir the pickles? It is good to stir the pickles every 1-2 days, at least in the first few weeks, to ensure even fermentation.
2. Can I store pickles long-term? Yes, once the pickles are ready, you can store them in cool, dark places, and they will keep for several months or even longer.
3. What can I do with leftover pickles? Leftover pickles can be used as a garnish for sandwiches, salads, or in hot dishes, adding a touch of freshness and vibrant flavor.

I hope this quick pickle recipe brings you much joy in the kitchen and that you succeed in bringing unforgettable flavors into your home. Don't forget to experiment and enjoy every step of this delicious process!