EASY PICKLED VEGETABLES

FILLS 4 x 1 LItre KILner jarS PreP tIMe 20 MInuteS, PLuS cooLIng and InFuSIng cooK tIMe 20 MInuteS

My friend Dr Kyle supplies me with the seeds I need each year for the garden. She is also a great cook, so I was delighted when she shared this easy pickled veg recipe with me. She uses beetroot, but I like to use carrots or radishes as well. Cucumbers work too – although they should not be boiled before adding to the pickling liquid. Keep any extras in a non-reactive container and in a cool place. I love to eat these with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream as a salad or side dish – great with leftover meat.

FOR THE PICKLING LIQUID 750g caster sugar 750ml raw cider vinegar 5 cloves

FOR THE VEGETABLES

1kg small raw beetroot, trimmed 350g baby carrots, trimmed 500g radishes, trimmed

2 small ridge-style cucumbers, halved and cut lengthwise into wedges

2 large sweet white onions (look for ones described as ‘salad’ or ‘Spanish’ onions so the flavour isn’t overpowering), halved and thinly sliced

★ Put the beetroot, carrots and radishes into separate pans of boiling water and cook until they are only just soft to the point of a knife. Drain and set aside to cool.

★ When the beetroot is cool enough to handle, rub off and discard the skin. (This is a messy business, so I advise you to wear rubber gloves.)

★ Next, make the pickling liquid. Put the sugar, vinegar and 750ml of water into a pan. Slowly bring to the boil, stirring now and then to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat, add the cloves and leave to cool slightly.

★ Pack the beetroot, carrots, radishes and cucumbers into individual warm, sterilised Kilner jars, top with the sliced onions and pour in enough of the pickling liquid to cover the vegetables generously, then seal the jars immediately.

★ Leave for at least 24 hours so that the flavours can come together. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place – the pickles will last for around two to three months.