Sweet Pickled Garden Vegetables

Sweet Pickled Garden Vegetables Recipe - From Poland

Region / culture: Poland | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet pickled garden vegetables are a delicious and tangy treat that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. This recipe combines fresh pearl onions with a flavorful brine to create a tasty and colorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or as a snack.

History

Pickling vegetables has been a popular method of food preservation for centuries. The process of pickling involves soaking vegetables in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a tangy and flavorful dish. Sweet pickled garden vegetables are a modern twist on this traditional method, combining fresh vegetables with a sweet and tangy brine for a delicious and refreshing treat.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) assorted fresh vegetables, such as kirby cucumbers, baby carrots, celery, cauliflower, red peppers, and pearl onions, cut into small cubes
2.5 cup (590 ml) cooled water
0.25 cup (60 ml) cider vinegar
0.25 cup (50 g) sugar
1.5 tsp (7.5 g) sea salt
1 tsp (5 g) pickling spices
1 tsp (5 g) whole black peppercorns
8 sprigs fresh dill

How to prepare

In a glass bowl, combine water, vinegar, sugar, sea salt, pickling spice, and peppercorns. Mix well.
In another glass bowl, place the vegetables and dill. Pour the brine over them.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days before serving.

Variations

Try using different vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the pickled vegetables.
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or jalapenos for a spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.

- Cut the vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even pickling.

- Allow the vegetables to marinate in the brine for at least 3 to 4 days for the best flavor.

- Store the pickled vegetables in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet pickled garden vegetables as a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches. They also make a tasty addition to salads or antipasto platters.

Cooking Techniques

Pickling is a simple and easy cooking technique that involves soaking vegetables in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices. The vegetables are then allowed to marinate in the brine for several days to develop flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pearl onions, you can use other small vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or radishes.

- Substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar if desired.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Sweet pickled garden vegetables can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The longer the vegetables marinate in the brine, the more flavorful they will become.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sweet pickled garden vegetables in a glass jar or bowl for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the sweet pickled garden vegetables with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a light and refreshing meal. They also make a tasty accompaniment to cheese and charcuterie boards.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the sweet pickled garden vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 60

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 12g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 8g

Fats

Total Fat: 0g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% DV

Iron: 2% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Sweet pickled garden vegetables are a low-calorie and low-fat dish that is high in vitamin C and fiber. They make a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Summary

Sweet pickled garden vegetables are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer entertaining or as a snack. With a tangy and sweet flavor, these pickled vegetables are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the countryside. My family had a lush garden filled with all sorts of vegetables, and my grandmother was known far and wide for her delicious pickled vegetables.

One summer day, as I was helping my grandmother tend to the garden, she pulled me aside and handed me a tattered old recipe card. She explained that it was her secret recipe for sweet pickled garden vegetables, and that it had been passed down through generations in our family. She told me that it was time for me to learn how to make it, so that I could carry on the tradition.

I was both excited and nervous as I carefully studied the recipe card. The ingredients were simple - fresh garden vegetables, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices. But the process seemed intricate and exacting, with precise measurements and timing required for each step. My grandmother assured me that with practice and patience, I would soon master the art of making her famous pickles.

I spent the rest of that summer by my grandmother's side, learning the ins and outs of pickling vegetables. She taught me how to select the best produce from the garden, how to prepare and chop the vegetables just right, and how to mix the vinegar and sugar in the perfect proportions. She showed me how to layer the vegetables in jars, along with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and mustard seeds, creating a colorful and aromatic mix.

As the pickles sat in their jars, soaking up the sweet and tangy brine, my grandmother shared stories of how she had learned the recipe herself. She told me of a kindly neighbor who had shown her the basics of pickling when she was a young girl, and how she had experimented and perfected the recipe over the years. She spoke of the joy she felt when she shared her pickles with friends and family, and how their smiles and compliments had inspired her to keep refining her technique.

I listened intently to my grandmother's tales, soaking up every bit of wisdom and knowledge that she shared with me. I watched as she checked on the pickles daily, tasting and adjusting the flavors as needed. And I marveled at the transformation that took place as the vegetables slowly became infused with the sweet and sour brine, taking on a rich and complex flavor.

Finally, after weeks of waiting and watching, the pickles were ready. My grandmother carefully opened a jar and poured out a few vegetables onto a plate. The colors were vibrant, the textures crisp, and the aromas intoxicating. I reached out and took a bite, savoring the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that burst on my tongue.

My grandmother beamed with pride as she watched me enjoy her pickled garden vegetables. She knew that I had learned well, and that I would carry on the tradition of making this beloved recipe for years to come. And as I continued to hone my skills and experiment with different variations, I knew that her legacy would live on in every jar of pickles that I made.

So now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will take it to heart and make it your own. Let the memories of our time together in the garden and the kitchen inspire you to create something truly special. And remember, the secret to making the perfect sweet pickled garden vegetables lies not just in the ingredients, but in the love and passion that you pour into every batch. Happy pickling!