Mixed pickles in a barrel

Mixed Pickles in a Barrel - A Winter Delicacy

Pickles are an essential part of our culinary tradition, often associated with winter meals, but also with the joy of savoring fresh vegetables soaked in brine, even after their season has passed. This recipe for mixed pickles in a barrel is perfect for bringing a touch of freshness to your table, even on the coldest days!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Fermentation Time: 2-3 weeks
Number of Servings: 10-15 servings

Necessary Ingredients

- Cucumbers: 2 bunches (choose small, crunchy cucumbers)
- Celery leaves: 1 bunch
- Lovage: 1 bunch
- Garlic: 3 cloves, peeled
- Carrots: 1 kg, sliced
- Cauliflower: 4 florets
- Pepper: a handful, whole grains
- Horseradish: 2-3 large pieces, peeled and cut into strips
- Hot peppers: 4-5 pieces
- Cherry twigs: 2
- Dried dill: to taste
- Dried thyme: to taste
- Green tomatoes: optional, added later
- White cabbage: 2-3 heads, added later
- Red cabbage: 2 heads, added later
- Quince: 1, sliced and added later

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly and allowing them to drain. Break the cauliflower into florets, wash, and drain. Peel the horseradish and cut it into four strips. Wash the celery and lovage leaves and let them drain.

Step 2: Arranging in the Barrel
On the bottom of the well-washed barrel, place a few leaves of thyme and dill, a few cloves of garlic, 2 hot peppers, and a cherry twig. This will be an aromatic layer that will flavor your pickles.

Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
Carefully layer the vegetables: start with some cucumbers, then add the cauliflower florets and carrot slices. Continue with dill, hot peppers, garlic, and thyme, then repeat with another layer of cucumbers and cauliflower. Don’t forget the horseradish, celery, lovage, cherry twig, and a handful of pepper to intensify the flavors.

Step 4: Preparing the Brine
In a 10-liter pot, add lukewarm water, and for every liter of water, add 1 tablespoon of salt. This brine will help the vegetables ferment properly and become delicious. Pour the brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are covered with water by two fingers.

Step 5: Maintaining the Pickles
To keep the vegetables submerged in water, place a plate or a piece of wood on top, weighted down. This step is essential for even fermentation.

Step 6: Adding Other Vegetables
If you find green tomatoes, two types of cabbage, or quince, don’t hesitate to add them to the barrel. They will add variety and an extra flavor to your pickles.

Step 7: Fermentation
Cover the barrel and leave it in a cool place. Fermentation will take between 2 and 3 weeks. Periodically check if the vegetables are well submerged in the brine; if necessary, top up with salty water.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Ingredients: Select fresh vegetables, free from blemishes or damage. Smaller cucumbers are preferred for crunchy pickles.
- Flavors: You can experiment with other spices, such as mustard seeds or bay leaves, to create a unique flavor mix.
- Storage: Pickles can be kept in a cool place and consumed throughout the winter, bringing a touch of freshness to every meal.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Pickles are an excellent way to add vegetables to your diet, being low-calorie and rich in fiber. Additionally, the fermentation process helps preserve probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long can I keep pickles?
If stored properly, pickles can be consumed for up to a year.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Sure! Cabbage, radishes, or even zucchini are excellent options.

3. How can I serve pickles?
Pickles are ideal as a side dish for meats, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer in salads.

Personal Note
For an even more intense flavor, I recommend adding a pinch of sugar to the brine. This will help balance the acidity and provide a more complex taste to your pickles.

Mixed pickles in a barrel are not just a delicious dish, but also a satisfying activity, bringing family and friends together around the table. Get your hands busy and enjoy the flavor of these delicious pickles! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Cucumbers 2 bunches celery leaves 1 bunch lovage 3 heads of peeled garlic 1 kg carrots sliced into rounds 4 cauliflower a handful of pepper 2-3 large pieces of horseradish 4-5 hot peppers 2 sprigs of sour cherry dried dill dried thyme Later: green tomatoes 2-3 heads of white cabbage 2 heads of red cabbage 1 quince.