A step-by-step recipe for preparing striped eggplants for the winter and storing the preserves

Eggplants are often used in vegetable preserves. These vegetables have a unique flavor, pair well with other vegetables, and have a long shelf life. For the winter, home cooks often prepare striped eggplants. This vegetable salad combines spiciness, juiciness, and richness of vegetable flavors. The addition of vinegar allows the salad to remain tasty and edible for a long time.

Specifics of cooking the dish

The dish got its name "Striped" because of its layers. From a distance, the jar containing the dish resembles a striped pattern. The layers of vegetables alternate with each other, but the central part is the eggplant layer.

When preparing a dish according to a classic recipe, it is recommended to follow certain rules:

• The eggplants are cut into strips rather than cubes to make the layer look more voluminous;
• for harvesting, it is better to take small jars with a capacity of up to 1 liter;
• To separate the carrot layer, the carrots are cut using a Korean salad grater.

A step-by-step recipe for preparing Striped Eggplants

Eggplants are traditionally preserved for the winter after the traditional harvest. By the second half of September, the vegetables are usually fully harvested. Whole, undamaged, and firm-feeling fruits are selected for preservation.

Necessary products

The recipe requires the following ingredients:

• eggplants, carrots, onions – 2-3 pieces each;
• garlic – 3 cloves;
• red pepper – 1 pod;
• salt – 1 tablespoon;
• sugar – 2 tablespoons;
• vinegar – 3 tablespoons;
• vegetable oil – 100 milliliters.

To prepare a large quantity of vegetables, the proportions are changed accordingly.

Processing of vegetables and containers

The first stage of preparation involves properly handling the vegetables. First, the eggplants are prepared step by step. The vegetables are selected, then washed in warm water and dried on a towel or napkin.

The eggplants are cut in half, sprinkled with salt, and covered with water. This helps remove the bitterness and soften the flesh. After 30 minutes, drain the water and cut the eggplants into strips of equal thickness.

Grate the carrots and leave them on the work surface under a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. Cut the onion into half rings, and mince the garlic using any convenient method.

In addition to preparing the vegetables, it's necessary to prepare the glass jars for the preserves in advance. Rinse the jars with baking soda or lemon juice, then dry them with a clean towel. To extend the shelf life of the preserves, sterilize the jars and lids beforehand.

How to bake blueberries correctly

Eggplants for the "Striped" recipe are traditionally baked in the oven. This process requires certain skills. The eggplants should be soft inside after baking, but still retain their shape.

To avoid mistakes during preparation, you should take into account some nuances:

• eggplants are poured into a deep container, sprinkled with vegetable oil and mixed by hand;
• The vegetable bars are distributed over the surface of the baking sheet so that one even layer is formed;
• When baking, you need to monitor the doneness so as not to dry out the vegetables.

Prepare the remaining ingredients

Finely chopped carrots are mixed with garlic and finely chopped red pepper. The mixture is left for 10-15 minutes to allow the vegetables to blend.

Separately, slice the onion into half rings. Place it in a deep bowl and rub it between your fingers until it releases juice and softens slightly.

Assembling the salad and pouring the marinade over it

For ease of assembly, arrange all ingredients in separate bowls on the work surface. The key to this recipe is the strict adherence to the order of layers.

Fill the bottom of the jar with a layer of cooled eggplants after baking. The next layer is carrots with garlic and pepper. After the carrots, add onion half-rings. Fill the jar to the top line, then pour in the marinade.

For the marinade, combine salt, sugar, vinegar, oil, and 200 milliliters of water. Boil the marinade for 2-4 minutes, then pour it in a thin stream into the meat.

Note: Garlic and pepper are usually added to taste. To make the dish spicier, double the proportions of these ingredients.

Sterilization of blanks and rolling

To extend shelf life and prevent spoilage, jars containing preserved food are sterilized. Place the glass jars in the bottom of a saucepan filled with water, cover with lids, leaving a small opening for steam to escape, and boil for 5-10 minutes. The exact boiling time depends on the total volume of the jars. After boiling, immediately seal the jars, turn them upside down, and let them cool completely.

Note! Sterilization of canned goods, taking into account the technological nuances, allows for the storage of canned goods for a period of 6 to 12 months.

Features of storing canned food

Home-canned food is usually stored not only in the refrigerator, but also on shelves in cellars or basements. This storage option allows you to extend the shelf life up to 2 years.

Basic rules for placing blanks:

• no heating devices, heat sources or light nearby;
• maintaining the temperature at one level: from 0 to +5 degrees;
• control over room humidity.

Jars with blanks eggplants should not be exposed to frost, as well as subsequent defrosting - this can affect the taste and quality characteristics of the canned food.