PICKLED MEATS RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• The day before pickling, put the shallots in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to cool, then drain and peel away the skins and trim the root ends.
• In a large bowl, mix the coarse crystal sea salt with 300ml boiling water and let it dissolve to make a brining solution. Add 1.2 litres cold water, then the shallots. Cover and leave to soak overnight. The next day, drain, rinse then drain again. Pack the shallots into sterilised jars (see tip below).
• To make the pickling vinegar, put the whole spices in a medium saucepan. Toast over a low heat until they begin to smell aromatic. Add the dried chilli flakes last, as these can easily catch.
• Add the bay, pour in all of the vinegar and sugar, let it dissolve, and bring to a simmer.
• Pour the hot vinegar over the shallots and seal while hot. Ready to eat in 1 month, or longer, if you like.

Steps:

• Using a pair of scissors, snip the top and bottoms off the onions or shallots then put in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 3–4 minutes, then drain. When cool enough to handle, peel the onions or shallots. After peeling, cut a small cross into the root end – this helps to prevent the centres popping out during cooking.
• Put the vinegars, sugar, salt, pared orange peel, fennel seeds, peppercorns and oil in a large saucepan with 350ml/12oz water. Place over a medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a simmer, then add the onions or shallots and cook for 6–7 minutes, or until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Remove from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, pack the onions into the prepared jars and tuck the orange zest and the rosemary or thyme down the side of the jars.
• Return the pan of liquid to the heat and bring to a fast boil for a couple of minutes. Pour the liquid over the shallots and fill the jars to the brim. Seal immediately with vinegar-proof lids. Invert the jars for a minute or so before turning the right way and leaving to cool.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to a year. Keep in the fridge once opened and use within 8 weeks.