Fisherman

Fermented Vegetable Salad: Bell Pepper Salad with Onion and Hot Pepper

In a culinary world full of flavors and colors, bell pepper salad stands out not only for its delicious taste but also for its rich history. This traditional dish was created as a way to preserve vegetables, and today, it is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, cheeses, or even as a healthy snack on bread. The recipe I share with you comes from my mother-in-law, a true expert in the art of preserves, and it is a simple, quick, and flavorful variant.

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

Ingredients:
- 3 kg bell peppers
- 1.5 kg white onion
- 250 g hot pepper
- 2 tablespoons of non-iodized salt
- 400 g sugar
- 500 ml vinegar

Preparing this bell pepper salad is not only easy but also very satisfying. Each step will bring you closer to achieving a perfect result. Let's get started!

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by thoroughly washing the bell peppers, hot pepper, and onion. Make sure the vegetables are clean and free of impurities. Washing the vegetables not only removes dirt but also helps preserve their color and natural flavors. After washing, cut the bell peppers and hot pepper into thin strips (julienne). Slice the onion thinly. These cuts not only make the dish more appealing but also ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a large pot, add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and hot pepper. Sprinkle in the salt, sugar, and pour in the vinegar. It is important to use good quality vinegar, as it will influence the final taste of the salad. Mix all the ingredients to ensure the salt and sugar are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cooking the salad
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Once the mixture starts to boil, let it cook for 20 minutes. It is essential to stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot. At this stage, the flavors will intensify, and the vegetables will start to release their juices, creating a vibrant and flavorful mix.

Step 4: Bottling
After the salad has cooked, remove the pot from the heat and prepare the jars. I believe it is important to use clean jars, so I wash them well, rinse, and dry them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. This will help keep the salad fresh for a long time. Fill the jars with the hot salad, leaving a small space at the top.

Step 5: Preserving
Once you have filled the jars, seal them tightly with lids and turn them upside down for 5 minutes. This will help create a vacuum inside the jar, essential for preserving the salad. After 5 minutes, turn them back and store them in the pantry. It is a simple recipe that does not require sterilization, making it even more convenient!

Serving suggestions:
This bell pepper salad is delicious served alongside grilled meats, but you can also enjoy it on a slice of fresh bread. It pairs wonderfully with cheeses or as a side dish for fish dishes.

Helpful tips:
1. If you prefer a spicier salad, you can add more hot pepper or even a splash of hot sauce.
2. For a touch of freshness, add some chopped parsley leaves before serving.
3. If you don’t have bell peppers, you can use a combination of red and green peppers for a colorful look and varied taste.
4. This salad keeps very well in the pantry, but you can also freeze it to have on hand for quick side dishes.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 120 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to create a customized salad.
2. How long does this salad last?
If stored properly, the salad can last for several months in the pantry.
3. How can I make the salad sweeter or more sour?
Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your personal preferences.

This bell pepper salad recipe is not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to preserve the flavor of summer throughout the year. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones, because cooking is, after all, a way to create memories and bring joy around the table. Enjoy!