Pickled Bell Peppers
Pickled Bell Peppers Recipe - Tangy and Delicious for Any Occasion
Introduction
Pickled bell peppers are a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you enjoy them on sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish, pickled bell peppers are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
History
Pickling has been used as a method of preserving food for centuries. The process of pickling bell peppers likely originated in Mediterranean countries, where bell peppers are a popular ingredient in many dishes. Pickled bell peppers are a great way to enjoy the flavor of fresh peppers all year round.
Ingredients
- 7 lb (3.18 kg) of firm bell peppers
- 3.5 cups of granulated sugar
- 3 cups of vinegar
- 3 cups of water
- 9 cloves of garlic
- 4.5 tsp of canning or pickling salt
How to prepare
- Wash the peppers and cut them into quarters, then remove the cores, seeds, and any blemishes.
- Slice the peppers into strips.
- In a pot, bring vinegar, water, and sugar to a boil for 1 minute, then add the peppers and bring it to a boil again.
- Place 0.5 clove of garlic and 0.25 tsp of salt in each hot, sterile half pint jar.
- Add the pepper strips to the jars and cover them with the hot vinegar mixture, leaving a 0.5 inch headspace.
- Adjust the lids and process the jars in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes.
Variations
- You can customize your pickled bell peppers by adding different herbs and spices like dill, peppercorns, or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, to create unique flavor profiles.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
When pickling bell peppers, be sure to use firm peppers that are free of blemishes. It's also important to sterilize your jars before filling them with the pickled peppers to ensure that they stay fresh for longer. Additionally, you can customize the flavor of your pickled bell peppers by adding herbs and spices like dill, peppercorns, or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Pickled bell peppers can be enjoyed on sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish to meats and cheeses. They also make a great addition to antipasto platters or charcuterie boards.
Cooking Techniques
Pickling bell peppers involves boiling them in a vinegar and sugar mixture before canning them in jars. This process helps to preserve the peppers and infuse them with flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have canning or pickling salt, you can use kosher salt as a substitute. You can also experiment with different types of peppers, such as jalapenos or banana peppers, to create different flavors of pickled peppers.
Make Ahead Tips
Pickled bell peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. They will continue to develop flavor as they sit, so they are a great make-ahead condiment.
Presentation Ideas
Serve pickled bell peppers in a small dish or jar alongside your favorite dishes. You can also chop them up and mix them into salads or pasta dishes for added flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
Pickled bell peppers pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, cheeses, and crusty bread. They also make a great addition to tacos, sandwiches, and wraps.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store pickled bell peppers in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. To reheat them, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of pickled bell peppers contains approximately 50 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of pickled bell peppers contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Pickled bell peppers are low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
There is minimal protein in pickled bell peppers, with less than 1 gram per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. When pickled, these nutrients are preserved, making pickled bell peppers a healthy addition to your diet.
Alergens
Pickled bell peppers are free of common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Summary
Pickled bell peppers are a low-calorie, low-fat condiment that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They are a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
Summary
Pickled bell peppers are a delicious and versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to any dish. With their tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, pickled bell peppers are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for pickled bell peppers. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, and I loved spending time in her kitchen, watching and learning from her as she prepared delicious meals for our family.
One day, as I was helping her chop vegetables for a salad, she pulled out a large jar of pickled bell peppers from the pantry. I had never seen them before, and I was immediately intrigued. I asked her where she had gotten them, and she smiled and told me that she had made them herself. She explained that pickling vegetables was a way to preserve them and enhance their flavor, and she offered to show me how to make them.
I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn something new, and I eagerly agreed. My grandmother handed me a sharp knife and a cutting board, and together we set to work slicing the bell peppers into thin strips. She then showed me how to mix together a simple brine of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices, and how to pack the peppers into jars before pouring the brine over them.
As the jars sat on the kitchen counter, I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. My grandmother told me that the longer the peppers sat in the brine, the more flavorful they would become, so we had to be patient and wait for a few days before trying them.
When the time finally came to open one of the jars and sample the pickled bell peppers, I was amazed at how delicious they were. The peppers were tangy and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice from the peppercorns and red pepper flakes in the brine. I couldn't believe that I had helped to make something so tasty, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.
Over the years, I have made pickled bell peppers many times, each batch reminding me of that first experience with my grandmother. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, and it has become a favorite among everyone who tries it. I have even experimented with different variations, adding garlic or fresh herbs to the brine to create new and exciting flavors.
As I look back on that day in my grandmother's kitchen, I am grateful for the knowledge and skills she passed down to me. Cooking has always been a source of joy and creativity for me, and I will always treasure the memories of learning from her. The recipe for pickled bell peppers will forever hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations. And every time I make a batch of pickled bell peppers, I know that my grandmother is there with me in spirit, guiding my hands and sharing in the joy of creating something delicious.