Pickles for summer

Pickles for Summer - A Homemade Delicacy

Who doesn't love pickles? These green, tangy delights are a true summer feast, bringing a splash of freshness to our meals, no matter the occasion. The preparation of pickles is a cherished tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, and no summer season would be complete without them. Moreover, they are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed alongside meats, cheeses, or simply as an appetizer.

In this recipe, we will prepare pickles from tomatoes, green tomatoes, and zucchini in brine. These combinations are not only tasty but also very healthy, offering excellent nutritional benefits.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Fermentation time: 4-5 days
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- Tomatoes - your choice! About 1 kg
- Green tomatoes - 500 g
- Zucchini - 500 g
- Coarse salt - 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water
- 1-2 stalks of celery root (optional but recommended)
- A few cloves of garlic - 3-4, to taste
- Dried dill - a handful
- Cold water - enough to cover the ingredients

Preparing the pickles:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing the tomatoes, green tomatoes, and zucchini well. Cut the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size. The green tomatoes can be cut into quarters, and the zucchini sliced into cubes. It's important to keep the skin on the zucchini, as it will add a pleasant texture to the pickles.

2. Adding flavors: Place the cut vegetables in a large jar or a plastic bucket with a lid. Add a few stalks of celery root and a few cloves of garlic, chopped or whole, as preferred. The flavor of the celery will add a note of freshness, and the garlic will intensify the taste.

3. Dill: Sprinkle the dried dill over the vegetables. Dill is an essential ingredient in the pickle recipe, bringing a specific flavor that will make them truly delicious.

4. Preparing the brine: In a basin, add 1 liter of cold water and dissolve a tablespoon of coarse salt in it. Make sure the salt is neither too little nor too much. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved.

5. Filling the jar: Pour the brine over the vegetables in the jar, ensuring they are completely covered. It is important that the vegetables are below the level of the brine to avoid mold formation.

6. Fermentation: Put the lid on the jar and leave it at room temperature. During fermentation, it is essential to 'pitrocim' the pickles. This means opening the lid daily and transferring the liquid from the jar to a basin, then pouring it back. This operation is repeated 2-3 times a day for 4-5 days to ensure that fermentation occurs evenly.

Helpful tip: You can check the taste of the pickles after 4 days. If you prefer them tangier, leave them for a longer time. Every household has its own preferences regarding the level of tanginess, so don't hesitate to experiment!

Serving and combinations:
The pickles can be served as a side dish alongside any main course, but they are particularly delicious with grilled meats, meat pies, or cheeses. You can also add pickles to sandwiches for an extra flavor boost or use them in salads to add a crunchy note.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables? Yes! You can experiment with carrots, cauliflower, or even bell peppers, adapting the recipe to your preferences.
2. Why should I use coarse salt? Coarse salt is more effective in the fermentation process, helping to preserve the vegetables and develop flavors.
3. How can I tell if the pickles are spoiled? If you notice an unpleasant smell or mold on the surface of the brine, it is a sign that the pickles are no longer safe to eat.

Nutritional benefits:
Pickles are rich in probiotics, which help maintain a healthy gut flora. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy option for improving digestion and strengthening the immune system.

I’ll finish with a little personal secret: I love to use pickles in warm dishes, such as stews or soups. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the pickles and serve them as a salad. The taste is simply wonderful!

So, I invite you to start making these delicious pickles and enjoy the flavors of summer all year round! Don’t forget to share the results with your loved ones, as joy comes from savoring together!