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Pickled Jalapenos and Carrots

When you transfer the mixture into the jars, you should have just enough brine so that they’re barely submerged. Press them down with a spoon, cover, and let them stand overnight as they will continue to pickle in the jars. The next day, if you should need more brine, simply heat together equal parts vinegar and water, and pour it over the mixture in the jars. If you’re interested in canning the peppers, at the end of the recipe I’ve linked to a good source on canning tips and techniques. I do prepare the jars by pouring boiling water in them, as well as over the lids, and letting them stand for about 5 minutes. Then I use tongs to carefully tip the hot water out and let them dry, overturned on a cooling rack, until they’re ready to fill. Wear latex or rubber gloves when handling the jalapeños and avoid touching your eyes when handling them, as you’ll find yourself in a bit of pain if you do!
  • 8 (about 1/2-pound, 230g) jalapeno peppers
  • 1 medium carrot
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 1 cup (250ml), white vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 cup (250ml) water
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 2 tablespoons kosher or sea salt , (not grey or iodized salt)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 10 black peppercorns, lightly crushed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Slice off the stems of the jalapeños and cut them into rounds slightly shy of 1/4-inch (.5cm). Peel the carrot and cut it into 1/4-inch (.5cm) slices. Peel the onion and cut it in half. (Reserve the other half for another use. Slice the onion into 1/4-inch (.5cm) slices.
  • Heat the vinegar in a nonreactive saucepan with the water, garlic clove, salt, sugar, oregano, peppercorns, and bay leaf until simmering, and the salt and sugar are dissolved.
  • Add the jalapeños, carrots, and onions. Let cook in the pan for 1 minute, then cover, remove from heat, and let stand 15 minutes.
  • Ladle the mixture into jars, close them, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Storage: The pickles will keep for at least a month in the refrigerator, and will start to lose their oomph after that. For canning tips and guidelines, see the National Center for Home Food Preservation website.
(In France, fresh jalapeños are available via mail order at L’Épicerie de Rungis).