Bulgarian cucumber recipe

Bulgarian Cucumbers - a classic recipe, full of flavor and a perfect accompaniment to any meat main course. This simple and quick pickling recipe will bring the flavors of summer into your winter, making it an excellent choice to complement festive meals or simply to add a fresh touch to daily lunches. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 6 jars of 500 ml

### Ingredients:
- 4 kg fresh cucumbers (ideally choose small, crunchy cucumbers)
- 1 kg sugar
- 1 l vinegar (9-degree white wine or red wine)
- 1 l water
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- 2 carrots
- 2 onions
- 1 large horseradish
- A few cloves of garlic
- Mustard seeds
- Bay leaves
- Peppercorns
- Dried dill

### Preparation Instructions:

1. Preparing the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers well under cold running water. If you want the marinade to penetrate better, cut a small cap at the stem of each cucumber. This simple trick will help the flavors infuse more deeply.

2. Preparing the marinade: In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices (mustard seeds, pepper, and bay leaves). Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.

3. Blanching the cucumbers: Once the marinade starts to boil, add the cucumbers and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help achieve a crunchy texture and vibrant color.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the carrots, onions, and horseradish. Cut the carrots into sticks or rounds, and the onion into wedges or no more than 1 cm. The horseradish can be cut into thin strips or rounds.

5. Filling the jars: In the sterilized jars (washed and then boiled in boiling water), place a layer of horseradish, then add the cucumbers vertically, interspersing with carrots, onions, and a few cloves of garlic. Fill with the remaining horseradish and carrot.

6. Adding the liquid: Place the jars on the knife blades (this will protect them from thermal shock), then carefully pour the hot marinade over the vegetables, filling them to the top of the jar.

7. Sealing the jars: Screw the lids tightly and turn the jars upside down. Cover them with towels or a blanket and let them cool completely until the next day. This process helps create a perfect seal for the lids.

### Useful Tips:
- Choosing ingredients: The cucumbers should be fresh and crunchy. Avoid cucumbers that are too large or have scratched skin.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as cauliflower or bell pepper, to diversify the taste of the pickles.
- Serving: Bulgarian cucumbers are delicious alongside grilled meats but can also be a wonderful appetizer served with cheese and fresh bread.

Now you are ready to enjoy a classic recipe for Bulgarian cucumbers that brings a touch of freshness and flavor to every meal. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust them to your taste to create unique and personalized pickles!

 Ingredients: Bulgarian pickles recipe 4 kg cucumbers 1 kg sugar 1 l vinegar (white wine vinegar of 9 degrees or red wine) 1 l water 2 tablespoons coarse salt 2 carrots 2 onions 1 large horseradish 1 carrot A few cloves of garlic Mustard seeds Bay leaves Whole pepper Dried dill