Ciolomada (mixed masonry)

Ciolomada – Assorted Pickles

Who doesn't remember the warm summer days when fresh vegetables were picked from the garden and the aroma of pickles filled the house? Ciolomada is a traditional recipe for assorted pickles, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to winter meals. This recipe not only combines a variety of vegetables but also offers an excellent way to preserve the taste of summer for the cold days.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Waiting time: 24 hours
Total time: 24 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4 jars of 800 g or 1 jar of 3 liters

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg cucumbers
- 1 kg bell peppers
- 1 kg chili peppers
- 1 kg cabbage
- 2 roots of horseradish (peeled and cut into pieces)
- 100 ml vinegar (for each kg of vegetables)
- 100 g sugar (for each kg of vegetables)
- 1 tablespoon non-iodized salt (for each kg of vegetables)
- 1 teaspoon salicylate (for each kg of vegetables)
- Peppercorns (to taste)
- Dill (optional)
- Thyme (optional)
- Bay leaves (optional)

Steps to prepare ciolomada:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables well. Cut the bell peppers and chili peppers into larger pieces, and the cucumbers and cabbage into smaller pieces. If you prefer a less crunchy texture, you can finely chop the cabbage.

2. Mixing the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables. Add the peppercorns, cut horseradish, and any other optional spices (dill, thyme, bay leaves) to enhance the flavor.

3. Preparing the brine: In another bowl, mix the vinegar, sugar, non-iodized salt, and salicylate. This mixture will be the base for the pickles. Make sure the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.

4. Combining: Pour the brine mixture over the vegetables and mix everything well, ensuring each piece of vegetable is covered with liquid. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. This time allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors and marinate.

5. Bottling: After 24 hours, prepare the jars. Make sure they are clean and dry. Fill the jars with the marinated vegetables and pour the brine over them, ensuring they are completely covered.

6. Sealing the jars: Tie or seal the jars tightly. They can be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar.

Practical tips:

- Choosing vegetables: You can adapt the recipe based on the available vegetables. A delicious combination can include green tomatoes or cauliflower, but if you don’t like them, you can omit them without any issues.
- Brine: If you prefer a less sour pickle, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or sugar. Experiment to find the perfect balance for your taste.
- Without salicylate: If you want to make a quick salad for immediate consumption, do not add salicylate. It will be delicious and preservative-free, but it won't keep as well.

Nutritional benefits:

Pickles are rich in nutrients and offer many health benefits. Fermented vegetables, such as ciolomada, are excellent sources of probiotics, which aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. They are also low in calories, making them ideal for a balanced diet.

Possible variations:

- Spicy ciolomada: Add finely chopped hot peppers to the vegetable mix for a spicy kick.
- Garlic pickles: Try adding a few cloves of garlic to the jars for an intense and aromatic flavor.
- Spiced pickles: You can experiment by adding spices like coriander or turmeric to diversify the flavor.

Serving:

Ciolomada is perfect as a side dish for meats, but it can also be enjoyed as an appetizer alongside cheese, cold cuts, or even on a buttered toast. You can accompany this platter with a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or a lemonade cocktail.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How long do pickles last? - If stored properly, ciolomada can last up to a year. Make sure the jars are well sealed.
2. Is salicylate necessary? - No, salicylate helps preserve the pickles, but you can omit this ingredient if consuming them quickly.
3. Can I modify the ingredients? - Absolutely! Be creative and add your favorite vegetables or spices you like.

I hope this ciolomada recipe inspires you to try making pickles at home. Bringing together the flavors of vegetables and spices, ciolomada will transform your winter meals into an unforgettable culinary experience!

 Ingredients: cucumbers, bell peppers, chili peppers, cabbage, green tomatoes (optional - I didn't include green tomatoes because we don't like them and I didn't have any), dill, thyme, bay leaves, horseradish, peppercorns, vinegar, sugar, non-iodized salt, salicylate