Spicy assorted pickles

Spicy assorted pickles: Ciolomada with garden vegetables

Who doesn't love a well-garnished meal with assorted pickles? These delicacies are not only a perfect accompaniment to any dish but also an excellent way to preserve garden vegetables. Today, I will share my recipe for spicy ciolomada, a colorful and flavorful recipe that will delight not only your taste buds but also your eyes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Fermentation time: 5-7 days
Number of servings: 3 jars of 1 kg and 1 jar of 400 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 green tomatoes
- 2 red peppers
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 green pepper
- 1 yellow pepper
- 3 onions
- 2 large carrots
- 4 hot peppers (or more, to taste)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 medium cabbage
- 4 stalks of celery
- Horseradish (to taste)
- 1 packet of spicy seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt

A touch of history:
Pickles have been a method of food preservation since ancient times, used to prolong the shelf life of vegetables during the cold months. Whether sour, spicy, or sweet, pickles are often associated with the culinary traditions of communities, bringing a taste of "home" to our tables.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by cleaning the vegetables. Wash the green tomatoes, peppers, onions, carrots, and cabbage thoroughly. Cut the green tomatoes, peppers, and bell peppers into larger pieces to give them a crunchy texture. Slice the onions, and cut the carrots into rounds. Shred the cabbage, and leave the garlic cloves whole.

2. Mixing the vegetables with salt:
Place all the vegetables in a large bowl and add the coarse salt. Mix well so that the salt is evenly distributed. Let the vegetables sit for about 20-30 minutes to soften a bit, especially the cabbage.

3. Preparing the jars:
While the vegetables are marinating, prepare the sour cream jars. Place a stalk of celery at the bottom of each jar, which will add a fresh taste and pleasant appearance.

4. Filling the jars:
After the vegetables have softened, add them to the jars, alternating layers of vegetables for an attractive appearance. Also, add the sliced horseradish, which will enhance the flavor of the pickles.

5. Preparing the spicy seasoning:
In a small bowl, prepare the spicy seasoning according to the instructions on the package. Add the juice formed from the vegetables to each jar, filling them almost to the top.

6. Sealing:
After adding the seasoning, make sure the vegetables are completely covered with liquid. Close the jars with lids and place them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

7. Fermentation:
Let the jars ferment for 5-7 days. Check daily, and if you notice foam accumulating on the surface, you can remove it with a clean spoon.

8. Serving:
The pickles are ready when they have a sour and spicy taste. Serve them alongside meat dishes, cheeses, or even as an appetizer, accompanied by a refreshing drink or a white wine.

Tips and useful advice:
- If you want your pickles to be even spicier, you can add more hot peppers or even a few slices of ginger.
- Experiment with different vegetables! Cucumbers, cauliflower, or radishes can add a unique flavor.
- Make sure the containers used are clean and dry to avoid contamination.

Nutritional benefits:
Assorted pickles are not only delicious but also healthy! They contain probiotics that aid digestion, vitamin C from fresh vegetables, and are low in calories. A serving of pickles can have about 50-100 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables?
It is best to use fresh vegetables to achieve crunchy pickles. Frozen vegetables will not have the same texture.

- How can I keep the pickles longer?
Store them in a cool, dark place, and if you open them, make sure to consume them within a few weeks.

- What other recipes go well with pickles?
Pickles pair excellently with roasts, bean dishes, or soups, but can also be used in sandwiches or salads.

In conclusion, spicy assorted pickles represent a wonderful way to preserve vegetables and add a touch of flavor to your meals. They are not just simple dishes but stories with every bite, connections between generations, and a way to celebrate the richness of nature. Don't hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch to this recipe, making it something unique! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 green tomatoes, 2 red peppers, 2 red bell peppers, 1 green pepper, 1 yellow pepper, 3 onions, 2 large carrots, 4 hot peppers, 1 head of garlic, 1 cabbage, 4 stalks of celery, horseradish, 1 packet of spicy hot fix, 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, horseradish

 Tags:  pickles