These tangy pickled tomatoes are a beloved traditional preserve that transforms fresh tomatoes into a flavorful, shelf-stable delicacy. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or addition to salads, these pickled tomatoes offer a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and aromatic spices that will enhance any meal.
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes / Fresh tomatoes (medium-sized, firm)
- 4-5 garlic cloves / 4-5 garlic cloves
- 6-7 black peppercorns / 6-7 black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf / 1 bay leaf
- 2 whole cloves / 2 whole cloves
- Horseradish leaves to taste / Horseradish leaves to taste (or substitute grape leaves)
- Fresh dill to taste / Fresh dill sprigs to taste
- 1L water / 4 cups water
- 3 tbsp sugar / 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tbsp salt / 1.5 tbsp salt
- 70ml vinegar (9%) / ⅓ cup white vinegar (9% acidity)
Instructions
- Sterilize jars: Pour 4-5cm of water into a large pot, place jars upside down in cold water, cover and boil for 15 minutes after water reaches boiling point. Remove carefully.
- Sterilize lids: Boil jar lids in water for 1 minute to sterilize completely.
- Prepare tomatoes: Wash tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry.
- Layer ingredients: In sterilized jars, add garlic cloves, peppercorns, dill, horseradish leaves, bay leaf, and cloves. Pack tomatoes tightly on top, leaving some headspace.
- Initial heating: Pour boiling water over jar contents and let stand for 5 minutes, then drain. Repeat this process two more times to heat tomatoes evenly.
- Prepare brine: Boil water with salt and sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add vinegar, mixing well.
- Fill and seal: Pour hot brine over tomatoes to the jar rim, cover with sterilized lids, and seal tightly using proper canning technique.
- Cool properly: Place sealed jars upside down on a towel and let cool completely to room temperature.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Processing Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 2-3 quart jars
Nutrition (per serving, ¼ cup): Approximately 15 calories, 1g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat, 1g fiber
Why Pickled Tomatoes Are Beneficial
Pickled tomatoes retain many nutrients from fresh tomatoes, including lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may help protect against certain cancers. The fermentation and pickling process creates beneficial probiotics that support digestive health. Garlic and horseradish provide antimicrobial compounds and immune system support, while dill offers antioxidants and digestive benefits. The vinegar used in pickling may help with blood sugar regulation and provides a low-calorie way to add intense flavor to meals. These preserved vegetables also provide a convenient way to enjoy tomato nutrients year-round.