Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where’s the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked? (scratching my head) Have you ever stopped to really think about this nursery rhyme? So here’s the thing. The peppers Peter picked couldn’t have already been pickled at the time he picked them. I mean, unless horticulture was vastly different in the early 19th century than it is today, my guess is that pepper plants weren’t self-pickling. No, my guess is that Peter pickled them after he picked them. And we all know what that means. Yes, Peter Piper was a recipe developer.
The first known account of Peter’s famous pickled peppers dates back to 1813 in jolly old London town. But somehow it got lost. For two centuries. After all, the rhyme still appears today as it did then with that ever-resonating question: “Where’s the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked?” But the fact is, the world of literature can finally put this grand question to rest. Why? Because I have the answer. “Where’s the peck of pickled peppers that Peter Piper picked?” HERE….at The Daring Gourmet. MYSTERY SOLVED!
Let’s get started! Oh, but first…you may be asking yourself, “Why would I want to make pickled peppers? I mean, Peter obviously had his reasons, but I certainly can’t think of any.” Fair enough. Here’s why. They’re delicious and have tons of uses! Here are just a few of the ways you can use them. You can use them on or in or with:
Bruschettas or Sandwiches Crostini with goat cheese Hamburgers and hot dogs Pasta or chicken salads Lentil or grain salads Pork chops or chicken Tacos for a twist Salsa for some extra flavor Pasta sauce for some kick Deep-fried like pickles Greek salads
In addition to the above ideas, they’re a classic and positively perfect addition to any antipasto and cheese platter. They’re awesome for entertaining!
Okay, so let’s get pickling, folks! For this recipe we’re going to use bell peppers. You can also use chili peppers if you prefer. Select the freshest bell peppers you can find. Get a variety of colors. Thoroughly wash them.
Cut them in half and remove the stem, seeds and membranes. Cut them into 1/4 inch strips. Do the same with the onions (well, except for removing the stems, seeds and membranes because, uh, they don’t have any.)
Layer the peppers and onions in a large non-metallic bowl and toss in the salt. Put a plate on top of the veggies to slightly weigh them down. Let them sit for 24 hours to draw out the excess liquid. During that period give the veggies a toss or two.
In a colander, rinse and thoroughly drain the veggies. Pat them dry with some paper towels. Then pack the drained veggies into the jars, leaving about an inch from the top.
Prepare the pickling solution. Bring the pickling mixture to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Strain the pickling solution.
Pour the hot liquid over them, covering the tops of the veggies by 1/2 inch and leaving 1/2 inch of headspace from the top of the jar.
Process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. I use and recommend the Granite Ware Canning Kit..
Store in a dark, cool place. Let the peppers sit for at least 6 weeks before using to allow the flavors to fully develop. If stored properly will keep up to a year.
Read more about me…
