Mexican Style Pickled Vegetables Recipes

ESCABECHE RECIPE (MEXICAN PICKLED VEGETABLES)

Steps:

• Cut the vegetables and place them in a pint sized mason jar (or two). Use more or less of any vegetable as desired.
• If using whole seeds, toast them in a small pot over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
• Add the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to the pot (and add the ground spices here if using ground instead) and bring to a boil.
• Remove the pot from the heat and pour the vinegar mixture into the jars over the vegetables. Let cool and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.

PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add the cauliflower and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and place in a colander set over a bowl to drain. Add the carrots and cook for 3 minutes. Remove the carrots from the pot and add to the colander. Add the jalapenos and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and add to the colander. Drain the cooked vegetables of excess water and place them in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
• In a large heavy saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 2 minutes. Turn the heat off. Sprinkle a drop or two of vinegar into the oil. If it splatters, allow the oil to cool until no splattering occurs. Then add the vinegar, peppercorns, bay leaves, oregano and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Stir to combine. Return the pan to medium heat and cook for 3 minutes. Pour the pickling liquid over the reserved vegetables and toss to combine. Cool the vegetables to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

TAQUERIA-STYLE SPICY PICKLED CARROTS

Steps:

• Whisk vinegar, water, and sea salt together in a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat, and simmer until salt is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
• Peel carrots and cut them into 1/2-inch diagonal slices. Cut onion into quarters. Cut each quarter into 3 strips. Cut stems off jalapenos and cut each jalapeno into 6 strips. Slightly crush each garlic clove.
• Warm oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add carrots, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, oregano, and cumin seeds. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add onion, jalapenos, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and fragrant but not soft, about 15 minutes.
• Place vegetables in a 24-ounce wide-mouth canning jar. Pour in the cooled vinegar mixture until liquid reaches 1 inch from the top. Pour olive oil on top and secure the lid. Allow to cool to room temperature. The carrots are ready to serve after 1 hour but best after sitting for 24 hours.

MEXICAN-STYLE PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Pack onion, fresno and carrots into a 1-qt. heatproof jar or a nonreactive container. Toast peppercorn and allspice berries in a dry large saucepan over medium heat, tossing constantly, until just fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar, sugar, salt and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Remove from heat and stir in bay leaf, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic. Let cool slightly, then pour brine over onion, fresno and carrots to submerge. Seal jar and chill at least 3 hours before serving. The flavor will mellow as it sits.
• Do Ahead: Vegetables can be pickled 3 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.