As summer bids us farewell, there’s no better way to savour the flavours of your garden than by pickling those vibrant vegetables you’ve nurtured all season. Red wine vinegar is your secret ingredient for a tangy, robust twist on traditional pickles.
Harvest the Best
Gather ripe, blemish-free vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. End-of-summer harvests are when these veggies are at their peak in flavour and freshness.
The Star of the Show
Red wine vinegar not only imparts a rich, fruity flavour but also enhances the colour of your pickles. Combine it with water in a 1:1 ratio for the pickling liquid.
Spice it Up
Customise your pickling spice blend! Common options include:
- Black peppercorns
- Coriander seeds
- Mustard seeds
- Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Experiment and create your own signature mix.
Balance with Salt & Sugar
For every cup of liquid, add about 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Adjust to taste to get the right balance between tangy and sweet.
Prep Your Vegetables
Slice your vegetables into spears, rounds, or chunks so the pickling flavours penetrate evenly.
Make the Brine
Heat the red wine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices in a pot until it simmers. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Pack Your Jars
Fill clean, sterilised mason jars with your prepared vegetables. Pour the warm pickling liquid over the veggies, leaving about a ½-inch headspace.
Seal the Deal
Place sterilised lids on the jars and seal them airtight.
The Waiting Game
Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours. The flavours will continue to deepen over the next few days.
Enjoy!
After a few days, your homemade red wine vinegar pickles will be ready to enjoy. Add them to salads, sandwiches, cheese boards, or serve as a flavourful side dish.
Get Creative
Try pickling different vegetables, or add herbs like dill, thyme, or bay leaves for unique flavour twists. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Pickling with red wine vinegar is a delicious way to preserve summer’s bounty. With just a few steps, you can enjoy the taste of your garden long after the season fades.