As the pepper harvest abounds, you’re left wondering what to do with the bounty. I’ve been there, too – gardens are a thrill when they produce an overabundance of produce. The uncertainty lies in knowing what to do with all those excess veggies, particularly if one type dominates your basket. For me, it’s peppers galore! Despite my efforts to plant fewer each year, the yield always seems to surprise me.
Enter pickle-making – a simple yet effective way to preserve the pepper surplus and enjoy them later.
You Will Need:
When venturing into the world of home canning, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of proper preservation techniques to avoid potential food-borne illnesses. As you prepare to preserve your favorite recipes, keep in mind that there are various methods to achieve this goal. While experience and intuition may guide you, it’s crucial to recognize that even with caution, unforeseen issues can still arise.
When working with home-canned goods, be mindful of any unusual odors or appearances that might indicate a problem. Ultimately, proceed at your own risk and take responsibility for the outcome.
Scrub-A-Dub-Dub
Before commencing the canning process, it’s essential to thoroughly rinse the produce under cold running water. For instance, when dealing with peppers, submerge them in a stream of cold water and gently massage your hands over their surface to dislodge any lingering dirt or unwanted critters that may have taken up residence on their skin.
As you rinse the peppers, take the opportunity to inspect them for any visible debris.
Once they’re clean, place them on a soft cloth and allow them to air-dry briefly. Gently pat them dry with the towel to remove any residual moisture.
Once the peppers are sufficiently dry, you can proceed to the next step in the process.
Cut and Roll
Once your peppers are clean and dry, lay them on a cutting board. Begin by removing the tops of each pepper, then place it on its side and slice a few inches beneath the stem in a horizontal direction. You can pickle a variety of peppers, including banana, jalapeno, and bell peppers. The type of pepper will dictate what you do next.
For bell peppers, remove the core using your hands or a spoon, ensuring all seeds are extracted.
In contrast, when pickling banana peppers, place them upside down with the sliced area facing downwards over a bowl or sink. Gently swirl the pepper between your thumb and index fingers to loosen the seeds.
Continue this process until all seeds have been removed. If you’re pickling jalapeno peppers, you can skip seed removal unless you’re looking to reduce the heat level. In that case, apply the same technique used for banana peppers.
Prep Your Peppers
One of the simplest ways to pickle peppers is a method my husband and I have refined over time. The key to success lies in streamlining the process for your most frequently pickled pepper varieties. When it comes to bell peppers, slicing them vertically not only enhances their visual appeal in jars but also makes them practical for salads or other dishes. In contrast, banana peppers can be skipped this step altogether since their hollow interiors easily absorb the pickling liquid.
For jalapenos and similar peppers with intact insides, we use a sharp knife to create small holes along the sides of the pepper. This technique enables the peppers to effectively infuse with the pickling liquid, as our experience has shown.
Get Ready to Pickle
With your peppers now prepared for pickling, it’s time to create the brine. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine equal parts of vinegar and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes with the minced garlic. This will allow all the flavors to meld together harmoniously. Next, prepare your jars by thoroughly sanitizing them to prevent contamination.
Pack the peppers into the cleaned and sanitized jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. To ensure a smooth seal, use a butter knife to release any air bubbles that may have formed. Finally, secure each jar with a sanitized lid and ring, making sure they are tightly closed.
Give Them a Bath
For successful preservation, place the sterilized jars into a water bath canner, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the liquid. Heat the canner to high on your stove, allowing it to reach a rolling boil before starting the timing process. The peppers will require a 10-minute processing time in the boiling water. Once the timer has elapsed, turn off the heat and carefully remove the hot jars from the canner using jar grabbers.
Place the jars on a sturdy surface, such as a countertop or table, and let them sit undisturbed for an extended period of 24 hours.
Label and Store
Once 24 hours have elapsed since leaving the jars to seal, it’s time to inspect their contents. One of the telltale signs of successful sealing is the distinctive ‘ping’ sound emanating from each lid. This audible cue indicates that the button in the center of each lid has been suctioned shut. To confirm the seal, run your finger over the top of the lid. If it feels smooth and even, you can be confident that the jar has sealed properly.
However, if the lid still feels loose or the button remains standing, this may indicate a failed seal. In such cases, you have several options: consider contributing the jar’s contents to your compost pile, store the jar in the refrigerator for immediate use (provided the food remains safe), or reprocess the jar with a new lid in the hopes of achieving a successful seal. If the jar has sealed correctly, simply label it and store it on a shelf.
What Can I Do with Pickled Peppers?
To maximize your pepper harvest, let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate pickled peppers into your daily routine and meal planning.
Start by considering the following: you can add a tangy twist to sandwiches, wraps, and subs by spreading pickled pepper slices on top of meats or cheeses; use them as a topping for omelets, frittatas, or breakfast burritos; create a flavorful dip by blending pickled peppers with sour cream or Greek yogurt; or even incorporate them into your favorite pasta dishes, stir-fries, or curries. The possibilities are endless!
Use in a Salad
While I aim to include a salad in my daily diet, I must confess that the novelty of this healthy habit wears off over time. To breathe new life into my routine, I’ve started incorporating pickled peppers into my creations. Not only do they inject a burst of flavor, but they also add a pop of color to what might otherwise be a dull and monotonous meal.
Eat as a Snack
When it comes to satisfying your cravings for something tangy and salty, pickled peppers are an excellent choice. Not only do they offer a burst of flavor, but they’re also a nutritious snack option that won’t ruin your diet. The next time you need a quick fix, grab a can of pickled peppers and indulge in their savory goodness without worrying about compromising your dietary goals.
Include in Pimento Cheese
Homemade pimento cheese is a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share the joy with you! Not only does it taste amazing on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile – perfect for snacking on crackers, adding a crunchy twist to celery sticks, or elevating a baked potato to new heights. But here’s a secret to take it to the next level: add some tangy pickled peppers to your recipe! The resulting flavor combination is nothing short of sublime.
Add to Your Soups
As the winter season sets in, I find myself craving hearty, comforting bowls of soup. Not only do they provide an easy and convenient meal solution for my family, but they also offer a nutritious and healthy option. One of my favorite ingredients to add to my winter soups is pickled peppers – their tangy flavor adds a delightful twist to the dish, making it feel like a new and exciting meal every time I serve it.
Use as a Garnish
The concept of adding color to your plate is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring you’re consuming the necessary nutrients for optimal health. For me, incorporating a rainbow of colors into each meal has become a top priority. One way I achieve this is by incorporating pickled peppers into my diet – a simple yet effective means of adding a pop of color to an otherwise monotonous plate.
Stuff Them
When you have a stash of whole pickled peppers on hand, don’t be afraid to get creative with their reuse. One simple yet satisfying approach is to hollow out the peppers and fill them with a flavorful filling, such as chicken salad, tuna salad, or a rich cheese mixture. This clever hack not only reduces food waste but also offers a tasty and nutritious meal option.
Add to Nachos
Nachos are a beloved snack for many, and adding some excitement to this classic treat can be as simple as introducing an unconventional topping. Pickled peppers offer a tangy and savory twist on the usual cheesy, crunchy goodness. By incorporating these flavorful morsels into your nacho game, you’ll add a burst of freshness that will leave everyone wanting more.
Add to Your Bloody Mary
If you’re a fan of indulging in a morning cocktail or unwinding with a refreshing drink, consider elevating your Bloody Mary game by incorporating pickled peppers into the mix. This simple yet innovative twist could just become your go-to way to enjoy this classic beverage.
Toss on Your Meat
To keep our diet interesting while sticking to high protein foods at home, I’ve developed a trick that adds some excitement to our meals. What I do is sauté pickled peppers and serve them on top of meats for a flavor boost. This simple technique not only saves us from the monotony of eating the same old foods day in, day out, but also allows us to preserve our pepper harvest for later use. With this method, we can enjoy our fresh peppers well into winter without worrying about wasting any.
In fact, I’m hopeful that this year’s pepper harvest will be so bountiful that we’ll still be savoring the taste of these pickled delights come December.
