This is the right season to harvest chilies and make delicious dishes out of them. While talking about chilies’ and their recipes, how can we forget about pickled banana peppers? Thus, the pickle made up of these yellow and long peppers is the most delicious combo to have with sandwiches, salads, nachos, pizzas, and whatnot. Plus, the best thing about making it is that it takes just 30 minutes and has minimal ingredients. Over and above that, the tangy, sweet, spicy, crispy, and juicy elements of the pickled banana peppers are what make it stand out from the crowd. Therefore, to know everything about its making, tips, and preservations, read the complete blog till the end.
What You Will Need To Pickle Banana Peppers
Finally, it’s the right time to learn about all the equipment and ingredients that are required to make a flavorful jar of pickled banana peppers. Hence, to know specifically about them, read the below-shared sections:
Ingredients:
- Banana peppers
- Vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Garlic cloves
- Peppercorns
Equipment:
- Clean jars with lids
- Saucepan or pot for boiling the brine
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Funnel
- Ladle or spoon for transferring the brine
By having these items ready, you’re all set to make delicious pickled banana peppers. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors!
Steps To Make Pickled Banana Peppers
As per my opinion, the recipe for pickled banana peppers is one of the simplest recipes. The results are spicy banana peppers that go well with pizzas, salads or sandwiches. But for more taste, don’t hesitate serving the banana peppers a few days after pickling. They become even more spicy, if you add them to any of your favorite dishes. This recipe is easy to follow, here’s a step by step instruction on how you can prepare pickled banana peppers with ease.
- Prepare Lids and Jars
The process of bringing your banana pepper tightly in a jar requires lids and jars that are completely clean. This is where a small error can ruin your cherished banana pepper. So my advice is to take trusted authorities like the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s mantra to sterilise lids and jars by boiling them in water for ten minutes, and allowing them to dry.
- Wash the Banana Peppers
After sterilizing the jars and lids, the next important step is washing the jar. Use a clean cloth to pick up the jars. Additionally, this will also prevent any dirt from making its way to the banana peppers.
- Cutting Banana Peppers
Once the pores of the banana pepper have been fully cut, the next step in the pickling process is to slice the banana pepper into easier to use rings. Banana peppers spliced in this way will be easily diyed in the pickling liquid, resulting in them being great for pizzas, snacks and salads as toppings.
- Make Sure to Prepare the Pickling Brine in the Proper Fashion.
In a saucepan, place all the necessary ingredients required for making the pickling brine and allow the mixture to boil. This is the time that standard brine which usually contains white vinegar, water, pickling salt, sugar, and spices like mustard seeds, garlic and chili flakes for extra flavor is added.
Tips and Tricks for Making Pickle Banana Peppers
Pickling banana peppers at home is easy and adds great flavor to your meals. Follow these simple tips for the best results, from choosing fresh peppers to adding your favorite spices.
Get Your Hands on Fresh Peppers
Choosing banana peppers that are vibrant and feel firm to the touch is very important. Using fresh peppers will ensure you achieve the best flavor. Always turn away from usage of peppers that have soft spots or blemishes.
Pack the Jars Well
Using a muddler or a spoon, pack the pepper rings into the jar and keep pressing them slowly. This will allow you to use the maximum space in the jar without damaging the peppers.
Leave Headroom
While pouring the brine, ensure you leave around half an inch space from the top of the jar. This will help avoid any overflows and will help provide a proper seal.
Cool Before Storing
Allow the jars to come back to room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. This will allow the brine to settle down and enhance the overall flavor.
Experimenting With Spices
Go crazy with your imagination, try various spices, for example coriander, mustard seeds, or even a pinch of turmeric.
Make sure they are still crispy
Add a grape leaf or a small piece of horseradish leaf in the jar so that the peppers do not lose their crispness if you wish to.
Nutritional Value Of Pickled Banana Pepper
Now, when we are aware of the banana peppers existence, it’s high time to discuss its nutritional value. Learning about them will give us more knowledge about its health benefits or impacts. Thus, to know about about the minerals, calories, and nutritions present in 30 grams of pickled banana peppers, read the below shared table:
|
S. No. |
Nutritional Content |
Amount |
|
1. |
Calories |
5 kcal |
|
2. |
Sodium |
280 grams |
|
3. |
Carbs |
1 gram |
|
4. |
Fiber |
1 gram |
|
5. |
Protein |
0.2 gram |
|
6. |
Calcium |
40 gram |
|
7. |
Glucose |
1 gram |
Ways to Serve Pickled Banana Peppers
Pickled banana peppers are a tasty addition to many dishes. Here are some simple ways to enjoy them! Whether you’re adding a tangy crunch to a sandwich or a spicy twist to your pizza, these peppers will bring extra flavor to your meals.
- On Sandwiches: Add a tangy crunch to your favorite sandwiches or wraps. They go great with meats, cheese, and veggies!
- In Salads: Toss some into salads for a burst of flavor. They work well in green salads, pasta salads, or grain bowls.
- On Pizza: Sprinkle them on your pizza for a spicy twist that complements the cheese and toppings.
- In Tacos: Top your tacos or burritos with pickled banana peppers for some extra zing.
- Charcuterie Boards: They’re a great addition to a cheese and meat platter—colorful and full of flavor!
- With Hot Dogs: Top your hot dogs or sausages with pickled banana peppers for a little extra kick.
- As a Snack: Enjoy them straight from the jar as a quick, tangy snack!
How Long Do Pickled Banana Peppers Last?
Pickled banana peppers can last up to a year if stored properly, but their shelf life varies depending on whether they’re homemade or store-bought, and whether the jar has been opened.
- Homemade Pickled Banana Peppers: These typically last between 3-4 weeks to 2-6 months in the fridge. Always make sure they’re stored in an airtight jar to maximize freshness.
- Store-bought Pickled Banana Peppers: Unopened jars can last up to a year past the printed expiration date if kept in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, however, they should be eaten within two weeks and stored in the fridge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pickled banana peppers are a simple yet flavorful addition to any kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, tangy treat that enhances your sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and more. The process is quick, and the results are not only tasty but also versatile, offering a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meals or enjoy them as a snack, pickled banana peppers are sure to become a favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the tips and start pickling today!
FAQs
- How many days should pickled banana peppers rest in brine?
The minimum duration a banana pepper pickle should rest in the brine is around 24 hours. However, the advice time is almost a few days so that the pickle absorbs more flavors.
- What is the taste of pickled banana pepper?
The banana pepper pickle has a very mild, spicy taste. With that it is also tangy, slightly sweet, salty, and crunchy due to brine mix and storage in the refrigerator.
- How much time does it take to prepare pickled banana pepper?
It takes around 20 to 30 minutes to prepare the banana pepper pickle. However, the exact time may vary according to the amount of ingredients you are using.
