Escabeche

 

This is a fantastic addendum to any Mexican or Tex Mex meal.  It is served on the table as a condiment for an added flavor sensation.  I love it!

1 lb. jalapeño (and/or serrano if you wish) chili peppers 1/3 cup olive oil 2-3 medium white or yellow onions, thickly sliced 2-3 medium carrots peeled and thickly sliced Florets from half a small cauliflower (optional) 1 head garlic, cloves separated but not peeled

4 cups apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp Kosher salt or sea salt 2 bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 4 sprigs of fresh marjoram (can sub fresh oregano) or 1/4 teaspoon dried 4 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried 1 Tbsp sugar

 

Wash the chilis, leaving the stems intact. Cut a cross in the tip end of each chili so that the vinegar will be able to penetrate the chilis.

Fry chilis, onions, carrots, cauliflower in olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet. Add the chilis, onions, carrots, cauliflower if using, and garlic. Fry over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning them over occasionally.

 Add vinegar, salt, bay, oregano, marjoram, thyme, sugar, bring to boil: Add the vinegar, salt, bay leaves, dried oregano, marjoram, thyme, and sugar and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Make sure the chilis are entirely cooked through before canning. You will know they are cooked when they are no longer vibrant green, but a dull, olive green.

Pack jars with vegetables, top with cooking liquid: Pack 4 to 5 pint-sized sterilized jars with the chilis and vegetables. Top with the vinegar cooking liquid and seal.

5 Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Once opened, can keep for one to two months in the refrigerator.