AACAR RECIPES

Steps:

• PREPARING THE VEGETABLES- Cut cucumber lengthwise without peeling and remove the seeds. Cut it into 2.5 cm long strips. Knead 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar into the cucumber slices and set aside to marinate for 1 hour. The cucumber will secrete some juice. Wrap the cucumber slices in a clean towel or muslin cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as you can or use hand to squeeze manually. This will give the cucumber a nice crunch.- Peel and cut the carrots into thin strips 2.5 cm long.- Cut the beans into 2 cm long.- Cut the cauliflower and broccoli into small florets.- Wash and cut the cabbage into small pieces - use your hands to peel off any damaged outer leaves from the head of the cabbage. Gently rinse each leaf of the cabbage under cool running water. You do not need to scrub the leaves when cleaning them. Drain dry on clean paper towels.
• BLANCH THE VEGETABLES- In a medium size saucepan, combine 600 ml water, 350 ml white vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt and 2 tablespoons sugar and bring to a rapid boil. Blanch the vegetables one at a time.- Blanch the cabbage for 2-3 seconds, and 10 seconds for the rest of the vegetables (carrots, beans, cauliflower and broccoli). Do not overcook the vegetables, or they will lose their crunchiness. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.
• MAKE THE PICKLING LIQUID- Combine all the ingredients from “group 1” into a blender and grind to a paste.- In a wok heat 3 tablespoons of oil, and fry the spice paste on medium heat. Stir fry the mixture for a few minutes until the colour of the spice mix darkens and oil starts to separate from the spice paste.- Add 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup sugar. Bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat, and set aside and allow to cool slightly.
• MAKING THE PICKLE- Add in the marinated cucumber, blanched vegetables followed by the sesame seeds, ground peanuts and salt to taste. Stir until well mixed. Allow to come to room temperature then place in clean glass jars and store in the fridge.

Steps:

• Prepare the ingredients