Food & Drink

How to pickle onions and carrots

Table of Contents

Introduction : How to pickle onions and carrots

To pickle onions and carrots, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can prepare these deliciously tangy treats. Whether you’re looking to serve them as a snack, a topping for sandwiches, or add some flavor to your meals, pickled onions and carrots are an easy and fun way to elevate any dish. Let’s walk through the process!

Ingredients:

Carrots – About 3 medium-sized, peeled and sliced thinly
Onions – 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
Vinegar – 1 cup (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works best)
Water – 1 cup
Sugar – 2 tablespoons (adjust according to taste)
Salt – 1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves – 2 cloves, smashed
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1-2 bay leaves
Optional: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, for added flavor

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Vegetables 🌽

Start by peeling and cutting the carrots into thin slices. You can also use a mandolin slicer for even and thin pieces. Slice the onions thinly as well, ensuring that they’re evenly cut so that they pickle uniformly. 🥕🧅

2. Sterilize Jars 🏺

Before pickling, it’s essential to sterilize your jars. This ensures that the pickles stay fresh for longer. You can do this by placing your jars and lids in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Once they’re sterilized, set them aside to dry.

3. Make the Pickling Liquid 💧

In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Add your smashed garlic cloves, mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and bay leaves. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, letting all the spices infuse the liquid with flavor. 🌿🌶

4. Pack the Jars 🏺

Place the sliced carrots and onions into your sterilized jars. Pack them tightly but not too tightly to allow the brine to soak into the vegetables. If you’re using any fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, you can place them in the jars now for added flavor.

5. Pour the Brine 🍯

Once the pickling liquid has simmered and all the spices have infused, carefully pour the hot liquid over the carrots and onions in the jars, covering them completely. Use a spoon to push the vegetables down so they’re fully submerged in the brine. 👩‍🍳

6. Seal and Let Them Cool 🔒

Once the jars are filled, seal them with the sterilized lids. Let the jars cool down to room temperature. You can store them in the fridge immediately, but for best results, allow them to pickle for at least 24 hours before consuming. 🕒

7. Enjoy Your Pickled Onions and Carrots! 🎉

After 24 hours, the flavors will have melded together, and you’ll have tangy, crunchy, and spicy pickled onions and carrots ready to be served! 🎊

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Pickled onions and carrots should be stored in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 weeks, but their flavor improves as they sit.
Long-Term Storage: If you plan to store them for longer, you can process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to seal them. This method helps to preserve the pickles for several months at room temperature. 🏡

Why Pickle Onions and Carrots?

Pickling enhances the flavors of both onions and carrots, making them perfect for adding a zing to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards. Pickles also offer numerous health benefits. The vinegar helps with digestion, and the high fiber content in carrots supports gut health. Plus, they’re a fun and easy way to make vegetables more exciting! 🌟

Variations to Try:

Spicy Pickled Carrots and Onions: Add a few slices of fresh chili peppers to the brine for a spicy kick! 🌶
Sweet Pickled Onions: If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the sugar in the brine to 3 tablespoons.
Herb-Infused Pickles: Try adding rosemary, thyme, or dill to give your pickles a more aromatic flavor. 🌿

Health Benefits of Pickled Vegetables:

Pickling not only preserves vegetables but also brings out new flavors. The process of pickling also adds probiotics to the mix, which are great for digestion and gut health. Plus, pickled veggies can be a low-calorie, crunchy addition to any meal. 🥗

With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can enjoy these tasty and healthy pickled onions and carrots in no time! So, roll up your sleeves and get pickling today! 🧑‍🍳👩‍🍳

Let me know if you’d like more tips or any variations on the recipe! 😊