Turkish Pepper Pickle Recipe: Absolutely the Best!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh peppers (choose a variety depending on your heat preference: bell peppers for mild, jalapeños for medium, or hotter varieties for more kick)
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- Several sprigs of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of coriander seeds (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Jars with tight-sealing lids
- Colander
- Tongs
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peppers: Begin by washing your peppers thoroughly. Slice them into rings or leave them whole, depending on your preference. If you opt for whole peppers, pierce them with a knife to allow the brine to penetrate.
2. Sterilize the Jars: To prevent bacteria growth, it’s crucial to use sterilized jars for pickling. Boil the jars and their lids in a large pot of water for about 10 minutes, then use tongs to remove them and let dry.
3. Make the Brine: In a large pot, combine water, white vinegar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves completely.
4. Add Spices and Peppers: To each jar, add garlic slices, peppercorns, dill sprigs, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds if using. Pack the sliced or whole peppers into the jars tightly.
5. Pour the Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the peppers in the jars, making sure to cover them completely. Leave about a half-inch of space at the top of each jar.
6. Seal and Store: Close the jars tightly with their lids. Let them cool at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in the refrigerator.
7. Let Them Pickle: For the best flavor, let the peppers pickle in the refrigerator for at least one week before consuming. The longer they sit, the more developed the flavors will be.