Classic Pickled Green Tomatoes Food

PICKLED GREEN TOMATOES

Steps:

• Sterilize the jars. Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water; rinse well. Place a wire rack or empty tuna cans in the pot to keep the jars from touching the bottom. Fill the pot halfway with water and bring to a simmer (do not boil). Submerge the jars in the water and let simmer until you're ready to fill. Sterilize the lids in a separate small pot of simmering water.
• Make the brine. Combine the chiles, bay leaves, coriander and cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, cloves, mace, peppercorns, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt and 1 cup water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook for 3 minutes. Cool slightly. Remove the chiles and bay leaves with a slotted spoon
• Pack the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes into wedges using a sterilized knife and cutting board. Remove the jars and lids from the simmering water with a jar lifter or tongs; fill with the tomatoes and some chiles and bay leaves
• Fill and close. Pour the warm pickling liquid over the tomatoes in each jar, stopping 1/2 inch from the top. Slide a clean rubber spatula around the inside of each jar to remove air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a clean towel, then position the sterilized lids on top. Screw the lids shut, being careful not to overtighten.
• Boil the jars. Return the pot of water to a simmer; add the jars, making sure water covers them by a few inches. Cover and boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, uncover and leave them in the water for 10 minutes
• Remove and let cool. Transfer the jars to a kitchen towel. Let sit, undisturbed, for at least 12 hours. A vacuum seal will form as the jars cool
• Label your pickles. Write the date on each jar and store for up to 1 year at room temperature; refrigerate after opening. The tomatoes will be at their prime about 3 months after canning.

4 WAYS TO PICKLED GREEN TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cut larger (slicing) tomatoes into 1/2-inch wedges, and cut smaller (cherry or grape) tomatoes in half.
• In a small saucepan, bring all of the brine ingredients to a boil and stir until the salt is dissolved. Remove the brine from heat.
• Fill a hot, clean quart jar with the pickling spice mix of your choice. Pack the jar tightly with the tomatoes.
• Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, covering them completely and leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Stick a chopstick or "bubbling" tool into the jar and move it around to release any trapped air bubbles.
• Wipe the rim clean, seal with a lid and band, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjusting the time for altitude as needed).
• Store the jar in a cool, dark place. The green tomatoes will be perfectly pickled in about two weeks. Add to sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, steaks, potatoes, or anywhere you would normally use relish. For a unique kick, you can even top off a Bloody Mary or dirty martini with a pickled green tomato garnish!

MARINATED CHERRY TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk vinegar, shallot, honey, salt, pepper and mustard in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in oil until fully incorporated. Fold in tomatoes, basil and mint. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 15 minutes. Serve at room temperature.

PICKLED GREEN TOMATOES

Steps:

• Mix vinegar, water, sugar and (1/4 tsp.) salt in a small pan.
• Bring to boiling, reduce and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
• Cut tomatoes into wedges.
• Cook tomatoes and (1 tsp) salt covered in boiling water for 1 minute.
• Drain tomatoes, rinse with cold water.
• Transfer to 3 hot, clean dry 1/2 pint jars.
• Place 1 teaspoons of the dill seed and 1-2 serrano peppers into each jar.
• Pour pickling mixture over tomatoes. Be sure to leave 1/4" head space.
• Seal and refrigerate overnight.

QUICK PICKLED GREEN TOMATOES

Steps:

• Wash a wide-mouth 1-quart mason jar and and its lid in hot soapy water, then rinse and let air dry.
• Slice the tomatoes into wedges and pack them tightly into the jar. (If you have very large tomatoes, you may want to slice them into smaller wedges.)
• Peel the garlic. In a small saucepan, combine the garlic, vinegar, water, dill, peppercorns, turmeric, sugar, and kosher salt. Bring to a low boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.
• Once dissolved, pour the brine mixture into the jar, allowing the garlic to settle on top of the vegetables. Tap the jar on the counter to release any air bubbles. Discard any remaining brine, or top off the jar with extra water if any tomatoes are exposed at the top. Screw on the lid tightly and allow to cool to room temperature, then store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating. If desired, discard the garlic after 24 hours. Keeps up to 1 month refrigerated.

CLASSIC PICKLED GREEN TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring all ingredients except tomatoes to a boil in a stockpot. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add tomatoes; cook 3 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool completely in the brining liquid. Serve chilled or at room temperature.