PICKLED MEXICAN CARROTS RECIPES

Steps:

• Put carrots in a large 3 or 4-quart pot. Add warm water and bring to a boil over high heat.
• Boil for 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
• To pot, add the peppers, onions, oregano, garlic, vinegar, bay leaves and salt.
• Let cool for 2-3 hours. Put in jars and place in refrigerator. These will keep for a week after opening jar.
• Can also be kept in airtight containers in refrigerator.
• Makes 8-9 cups.

Steps:

• Give the jalapenos a rinse and then cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Peel the carrots and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
• Peel and quarter the onion, chopping into thin slices.  Peel and roughly chop the garlic.
• Heat a glug of oil in a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat.  Saute the onion and garlic for a few minutes.
• Add the spices:  1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 8-10 black peppercorns.  I usually give the spices a quick crush in the molcajete but this is optional.  And feel free to use powdered spices if you don't have seeds or peppercorns on hand. 
• Add the jalapenos and carrots.  Briefly saute and then add 1.5 cups white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt, and 1 bay leaf (optional).  Simmer until the jalapenos are just turning army green in color.
• Fill two pint-sized Mason jars with the veggies and fill to the brim with the vinegar mixture.  You can also use a single quart-sized Mason jar.  You can give them a taste test now for a preview, but they won't have full flavor until they rest overnight in the brine.
• I usually let the jars cool on the counter for a bit, then cap and store in the fridge where they will keep for weeks at a time.