Vegetables for winter

Winter Vegetable Mix – A traditional recipe, full of flavor and colors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 3 hours
Filling jars time: 30 minutes
Total: 4 hours
Number of servings: 9 jars of 1.7 kg

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, we wish to preserve the taste of summer, and the winter vegetable mix is the perfect solution. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with delicious vegetables but will also turn your winter meals into true feasts. Let’s begin the journey into the world of vegetable preserves!

Necessary ingredients

- 5 kg of carrots (fresh and crunchy)
- 5 kg of tomatoes (buy ripe and juicy tomatoes for an intense flavor)
- 3 kg of green bell peppers (choose firm peppers without spots)
- 3 kg of sweet peppers (preferably sweet and meaty)
- 3 kg of red kapia peppers (these add a touch of sweetness)
- 2 kg of parsley root (make sure they are fresh and vibrant)
- 15 bunches of green parsley (for a vibrant taste)
- Coarse pickling salt (non-iodized, 20 g for each kg of vegetables)

A brief history

Winter vegetable mix is a tradition cherished in many households, an ingenious method of preserving fresh vegetables for use during the cold season. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family adding its own little secrets and variations, making it a truly unique and personalized dish.

Step by step – How to prepare winter vegetable mix

1. Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the carrots and parsley roots. Cut the vegetables into equal-sized pieces to ensure even distribution of salt.

2. Weighing the ingredients
Once all the vegetables are cleaned and chopped, weigh them. It’s important to have the exact quantities, as the salt will help with preservation and draw out the natural juices.

3. Adding salt
For every kilogram of cleaned vegetables, add 20 grams of coarse salt. Mix the vegetables well with the salt, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. This is when the flavors will start to combine.

4. Letting the vegetables rest
Allow the mixture to sit for about 3 hours. This is a crucial step, as the salt will draw out the juices from the vegetables, creating a natural brine that will aid in preservation.

5. Filling the jars
After 3 hours, prepare the sterile jars. Fill each jar with the vegetable mixture, pressing down firmly with your hand to eliminate any air. It’s important that the vegetables are submerged in their juices to prevent mold.

6. Sealing the jars
Once you have filled all the jars, seal them tightly with the lids. Label each jar with the date and contents so you know what you have preserved.

7. Storing in a cool place
Store the jars in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a cellar. This environment will help maintain the freshness of the vegetables until use.

Useful tips

- Choose quality vegetables: Buy fresh, seasonal vegetables from the market or a local farmer. The final taste will depend heavily on the quality of the ingredients!
- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as celery or zucchini. Each addition will bring a unique note to your recipe.
- Jar solutions: If you don’t have large jars, you can use smaller jars, but make sure to fill them well.
- Usage: When cooking, rinse the vegetable mix under cold running water. This step helps reduce the salt in the dish while still preserving the flavor of the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does the winter vegetable mix last?
If stored correctly, the vegetable mix can last up to 1 year. Periodically check the jars to ensure they haven’t spoiled.

2. What can I do with the preserved vegetable mix?
You can use the vegetable mix for soups, stews, or as a side dish to various meals. It is versatile and adds fantastic flavor to any meal.

3. Is it necessary to rinse the vegetable mix before use?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse the vegetable mix to reduce the amount of salt and improve the flavor of the final dish.

Nutritional benefits

The preserved vegetable mix is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, providing valuable antioxidants to your body. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, tomatoes contain lycopene, and parsley offers a variety of essential nutrients. This combination of vegetables not only enhances the flavor of your meals but also contributes to a balanced diet.

Serving suggestions

To transform the preserved vegetable mix into a truly delicious meal, you can serve it alongside a juicy steak or add it to a flavorful chicken soup. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement a dinner based on preserved vegetables.

Variations

If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add spices such as paprika, pepper, or even crushed garlic for an extra flavor boost. These small adjustments will turn your vegetable mix into something truly special!

In conclusion, preparing the winter vegetable mix is not only an effective preservation method but also a fulfilling activity that will help you enjoy the taste of summer even on the coldest winter days. So, unleash your imagination and enjoy every step of this traditional process!

 Ingredients: 5 kg of carrots, 5 kg of tomatoes, 3 kg of green bell peppers, 3 kg of sweet peppers, 3 kg of red kapia peppers, 2 kg of root parsley, 15 bunches of green parsley, coarse salt for pickling.