Learn how to pickle hot peppers in vinegar- a recipe that comes from the old times. These hot peppers preserved this way last many years in the jars. This is probably one of the easiest recipes out there. We consume in winter these hot peppers, as a condiment, in soups and stews.
Clean the jars. The jars need to be sterilized in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes in a pot of water on the stove.
Wash and clean the hot peppers. Remove leaves, dirt and any bad peppers. Slice peppers if desired though I prefer leaving them whole.
When the sterilizing time is up, remove and drain the hot jars one at a time.
Place peppers in jars, packing them in and adding as many as possible until they fit tight inside.
Pour vinegar over them to fill up the jars. Add lids, and tighten screw bands.
The peppers need to sit in vinegar for at least one month before they are ready to be consumed.
Great with soups or as a condiment in stews. Prepared peppers last in a cool place for years.
Video
Notes
What kind of hot pepper works best?Jalapeno pepper, Fresno chili pepper (not to be confused with the Fresno Bell pepper), Serrano pepper, Habanero pepper, Cayenne pepper, Thai (Bird's eye chili peppers), Aleppo peppers, Shishito peppers, Tabasco peppers, Ghost peppers, Hungarian Wax peppers, Dutch Red chili peppers, Peri-Peri peppers, or Scotch Bonnet peppers.Expert Tips
The jars must be cleanbefore filling. Wash them with warm water and soap or run them through a dishwasher cycle. Sterilize them thoroughly. If you need more information about the process check here for more about the sterilization process.
Sterilize the lids separately. Avoid placing them with the jars in the same pot. I usually clean them with warm water and soap, dry them well, and then submerge them in boiling water for at least 2 minutes.
Use new lids. If any lids seem old or rusty you will need to replace them. While recent guidelines no longer recommend boiling lids, I suggest submerging them in hot water for a few minutes before use for added safety. You can learn more about the new canning guidelines if you're interested.
Cover with vinegar. The peppers and their stems should be fully covered with vinegar. Use vinegar with at least 5% acidity and do not dilute the vinegar. Vinegar effectively combats botulism, so it's crucial to follow the recipe accurately.
Cleaning the peppers. The peppers should be washed and cleaned with their stems left intact. While you can trim the stems there's no need to remove them completely. Wear gloves if you're slicing the peppers and wash hands immediately following handling them.
Do not add other ingredients. Adding extra ingredients such as herbs, spices, or other vegetables will change the recipe. It's best that you find a recipe that includes these additions.
No boiling. This process uses cold vinegar so note that you will not need to boil or heat the vinegar.