Glowing Midwinter Pickle
By OcadoLife
Published on 16 October 2022
Food preservation expert Rachel de Thample came up with this Glowing Midwinter Pickle, inspired by a medieval winter festival recipe that’s held in the archives at the British Library. The pickle will keep for 1 year unopened, so it’s great for get-ahead gifts – make a batch to tick off everyone on your list, adding sparkly gift tags and ribbon to make the jars look special. Once opened, chill the pickle and eat within 1 month.Time and servings
40 minsTotal time
30 minsPrep time
10 minsCooking time
Ingredients
- 150 g of leeks
- 150 g of red onions
- 150 g of butternut squash
- 150 g of carrots
- 3 tbsp of currants or raisins
- 1 tbsp of sea salt
- 1 tsp of ground ginger
- 1 tsp of fennel seeds
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp of mustard seeds
- 0.5 tsp of ground black or white pepper
- 1 pinch of of saffron
- 500 ml of cider
- 250 ml of apple cider vinegar
- 5 tbsp of honey
Method
Step 1
Wash your selection of jars and lids; put them on a tray in the oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 for 15 mins to sterilise.Step 2
Put the veg, fruit, currants, salt and spices into a large bowl; mix well.Step 3
Pour the cider into a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat; whisk in the vinegar and honey until fully dissolved. Add the veg mixture; simmer for 5 mins.Step 4
Remove the jars and lids from the oven. Transfer the veg mix into the hot jars, filling them 2cm from the top; then fill to the top with the liquid. Use a clean cloth to screw on the warm lids.Step 5
Cool fully, then store in a dark, cool place for 4 weeks before use. The pickle will keep for 1 year, unopened; once open, chill and eat within 1 month.