This recipe offers a delightful, pickle-like appetizer made from fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices. With a mix of zucchini, carrots, red peppers, and garlic, this appetizer is a wonderful addition to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, can be stored in jars, and is a great way to preserve the season’s harvest.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients (Makes approximately 4-5 jars)
- 3 kg zucchini, julienne cut
- 2 kg carrots, peeled and julienne cut
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5-6 red bell peppers, julienne cut
- 2 hot red peppers, julienne cut
- ½ bunch of basil, chopped
- 2.5 tablespoons rock salt (50 grams)
- 2.5 tablespoons sugar (50 grams)
- 1 glass (225 ml) vinegar (4-5% acidity)
- 1 glass (225 ml) heated vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds (20 grams)
- 1 tablespoon red pepper powder (20 grams)
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Julienne cut the zucchini, carrots, red bell peppers, and hot red peppers. Mince the garlic and chop the basil.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix all the julienned vegetables, garlic, basil, rock salt, and sugar. Stir in the vinegar, heated vegetable oil, coriander seeds, and red pepper powder.
- Rest the Mixture:
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to release their juices.
- Fill the Jars:
- Fill clean glass jars with the vegetable mixture, pressing down to compact them. Pour the remaining juices over the vegetables to ensure they are covered.
- Seal the Jars:
- Clean the rims of the jars and seal them tightly with new lids.
- Boil the Jars:
- Place the jars in a deep pot, fill with hot water up to the lid level, and boil for 20 minutes. This process will help the lids seal properly.
- Cool and Store:
- After boiling, carefully tighten the lids again if needed, turn the jars upside down, cover them with a thick towel, and leave them overnight.
- Check the lids the next day; if the centers are sunken and do not move, they are vacuum-sealed.
- Refrigerate:
- Store the jars in the refrigerator. The appetizer is ready to serve and adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side dish with meats, fish, or rice dishes.
- Enjoy it on sandwiches, wraps, or salads for added crunch and flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Proper Sealing: Ensure that the lids are new and boiled before use to achieve a proper seal.
- Spice Variation: Feel free to add other spices like black peppercorns or mustard seeds for extra flavor.
- Heat Control: Adjust the amount of hot peppers to suit your spice preference.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in Vitamins: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K from the vegetables and herbs.
- Low-Calorie: A light and healthy addition to your diet, with minimal calories.
- Probiotic Benefits: This appetizer can aid digestion when served alongside main dishes.
Dietary Information
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.
- Low Sugar: Contains minimal added sugar, making it a healthier option.
Storage
- Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Once opened, consume within 2 weeks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Easy to prepare with common ingredients.
- Tangy and Spicy: Adds a unique flavor profile to meals.
- Versatile: Works as a side, condiment, or appetizer.
- Preserves the Harvest: A great way to enjoy seasonal vegetables all year round.
Conclusion
This Pickle-Like Vegetable Appetizer is a delightful way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meals. With its tangy, slightly spicy flavor, it’s a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can add cucumbers, radishes, or other firm vegetables. - Do I need to use hot peppers?
No, if you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the hot peppers. - How long do the jars need to be boiled?
Boil the jars for 20 minutes to ensure proper sealing. - Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly different flavor. - Why should I heat the oil?
Heating the oil helps blend the flavors and softens the vegetables. - Can I add more sugar?
You can adjust the sugar according to your taste preference. - Is it necessary to turn the jars upside down?
Yes, this helps in sealing the jars properly as they cool. - Can I store these jars at room temperature?
For best results, store them in the refrigerator, especially once opened. - Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin or dill seeds. - What should I do if a jar doesn’t seal?
If a jar doesn’t seal, store it in the fridge and consume it within a few days.