Pickled Tomatoes for Winter

1. Introduction Pickled tomatoes are a classic treat that can be served as an accompaniment to sandwiches, salads, meats, or cheeses. They are incredibly aromatic thanks to the spices and pair well with many dishes.

2. Ingredients

• 4.4 lbs (2 kg) ripe, medium-sized tomatoes
• 2 medium onions, sliced into half-rings
• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 1 cup (250 ml) 10% vinegar
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

3. Recipe History Pickled tomatoes are a popular way to preserve vegetables in many countries, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Traditionally prepared for winter, they are an excellent way to enjoy the taste of tomatoes all year round.

4. Tips and Advice

• Tomatoes: Choose ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid them breaking apart during pickling.
• Onion: You can use red onion for added color and flavor.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of spices to your taste. You can add other favorite spices, such as allspice or coriander.

5. Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Fiber: 1 g

6. Preparation Time and Servings

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Pickling Time: Minimum 1 week
• Total Time: 30 minutes + pickling time
• Servings: 4-6 jars of 500 ml

7. Ingredient Substitutions

• Vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
• Oil: Choose a mild-flavored oil so it doesn’t overpower the taste of the tomatoes.

8. Adjusting Portions

• More: Double the ingredients to prepare a larger quantity of pickled tomatoes.
• Less: Halve the ingredients if you only need a few jars.

9. Seasonality

• Summer: The best time to prepare pickled tomatoes is in summer when they are the freshest and most affordable.
• Winter: Pickled tomatoes are a great addition to winter dishes, adding freshness and aroma.

10. Dish Presentation

• Serve pickled tomatoes as an appetizer with cheese and fresh bread.
• Use them as an addition to salads to add sharpness and flavor.
• Ideal as an addition to sandwiches and burgers.

11. Preparation Method

1. Preparing the jars:
   • Thoroughly wash and sterilize the jars and lids.
2. Preparing the tomatoes:
   • Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. You can quarter them or leave them whole if they are small.
3. Preparing the brine:
   • In a large pot, bring water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and oil to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Boil for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Filling the jars:
   • Place a few onion half-rings at the bottom of each jar.
   • Pack the tomatoes tightly in the jars, adding the remaining onion slices between the layers.
5. Pouring the brine:
   • Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, leaving about 1 cm of headspace.
   • Seal the jars tightly.

12. Cooling and Serving

1. Pasteurization:
   • Place the jars in a large pot with water reaching 2/3 of the height of the jars. Pasteurize for 10 minutes from the moment the water starts boiling.
2. Cooling:
   • After pasteurization, remove the jars and allow them to cool completely.
3. Serving:
   • Store in a cool, dark place for at least a week before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

13. Reviews and Testimonials

• “These pickled tomatoes are amazing! They have the perfect balance of sweet and sour.” – Anna
• “Simple recipe, and the final product is fantastic. Pickled tomatoes are now my favorite sandwich addition.” – Michael
• “The recipe is easy to follow, and the tomatoes taste delicious. I recommend it to everyone!” – Katie
• “I always make these tomatoes for winter. They are great as an appetizer for family dinners.” – Tom

Enjoy delicious pickled tomatoes all winter long! Bon appétit!

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