Spiced Pickling Vinegar Recipes

SPICED PICKLING VINEGAR

Steps:

• Add all of the spices into the bottle of vinegar (they should all fit but if not then feel free to pour away a small amount. The items in the ingredients list are simply my recommendations, you can add whatever you want into your vinegar (just make sure that they are whole, not ground).
• seal the lids back on tightly, store in the cupboard for around 3 months - or until they have infused enough for your tastes. Alternatively, for a much quicker process, place your bottle on the top rack of the dishwasher for one cycle (seems odd but really works, just make sure the lids are on tight!) then leave over night.
• strain off all of the spices and additions, then use your vinegar to make all kinds of pickles and chutneys.

INDIAN-SPICED PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°F with rack in middle.
• Trim end from cucumber, then halve lengthwise. Scrape out and discard any seeds with a small spoon, then cut into 2- by 1/2-inch sticks.
• Cook cauliflower and carrots together in a large pot of boiling salted water (1 1/2 tablespoons salt for 3 quarts water), stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Drain in a colander, then put colander in an ice bath. Drain again in colander, then pat vegetables very dry.
• Arrange cauliflower, carrots, and cucumber in 1 layer in a 17- by 12-inch shallow baking pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are dry and slightly limp, about 30 minutes.
• Pulse garlic and ginger with 1 teaspoon salt in a food processor until finely ground, then transfer to a bowl. Pulse mustard seeds in spice grinder until coarsely ground, then stir together with remaining spices. Heat wok over high heat until a drop of water evaporates instantly. Pour oil down side of wok, then tilt wok to swirl, coating side. When oil just begins to smoke, add chiles and spice mixture and cook, stirring, 10 seconds. Add garlic mixture and cook, stirring, until golden, about 15 seconds. Add vegetables, vinegar, and brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Transfer to a shallow dish and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
• Transfer to an airtight container and chill, shaking once or twice a day, 1 week (to allow flavors to develop).

SPICY PICKLED GARLIC

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add garlic and boil 1 minute. , Meanwhile, divide coriander, peppercorns, chiles, allspice and bay leaf among three hot half-pint jars. Drain garlic and pack into jars to within 1/2 in. of the top., In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Carefully ladle hot liquid over garlic, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

HOMEMADE PICKLING SPICE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight jar or container. Use in favorite pickle recipes.

SPICED PICKLED BEETS

Steps:

• Place the beets into a medium bowl and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar and 1/2 cup beet juice and bring to a boil. Add sugar, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaf, salt and onion, and return to a boil. Remove from heat, and pour mixture over the beets. Toss until coated, cover and chill. Serve the beets very cold.

SPICED PICKLED SHALLOTS

Steps:

• The day before pickling, put the shallots in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to cool, then drain and peel away the skins and trim the root ends.
• In a large bowl, mix the coarse crystal sea salt with 300ml boiling water and let it dissolve to make a brining solution. Add 1.2 litres cold water, then the shallots. Cover and leave to soak overnight. The next day, drain, rinse then drain again. Pack the shallots into sterilised jars (see tip below).
• To make the pickling vinegar, put the whole spices in a medium saucepan. Toast over a low heat until they begin to smell aromatic. Add the dried chilli flakes last, as these can easily catch.
• Add the bay, pour in all of the vinegar and sugar, let it dissolve, and bring to a simmer.
• Pour the hot vinegar over the shallots and seal while hot. Ready to eat in 1 month, or longer, if you like.