9 delicious recipes for pickled squash and cucumbers for the winter

Today, there are many popular recipes for pickled squash and cucumbers. These vegetables belong to the same family, making them a perfect pairing. These ingredients can be salted or pickled. They pair well with various herbs and spices. To achieve excellent results, it's important to follow the recipe precisely.

Taste characteristics of the preparation

Cucumbers and squash are considered a universal pairing. These fruits belong to the pumpkin family and have similar cooking times.

Today, there are many recipes for pickling these products. They can be marinated or used in salads. The resulting dishes are very healthy in winter, when people experience vitamin deficiencies.

How to select and prepare cucumbers and squash

To ensure a delicious dish, pay attention to the selection and preparation of vegetables. To do this, consider the following guidelines:

• squash should not be large - such fruits can be used whole;
• The fruits are not peeled before cooking;
• the stalk should be removed - the circle in the cut area should not be more than 2 centimeters;
• You shouldn’t use overripe fruits for preparations – they have too hard a consistency;
• squash is characterized by a dense texture, so it is recommended to boil it for a few minutes;
• Before preparing the dish, cucumbers should be immersed in cold water for 3 hours.

To ensure that the squash remains firm and retains its vibrant color after blanching, immediately after boiling, transfer it to a container of ice.

Sterilization of containers

To ensure your preserves stay fresh for as long as possible, it's recommended to properly prepare the container. A clean, undamaged container is ideal. Glass jars are best.

Before storing vegetables, it's a good idea to sterilize the containers. This can be done in a variety of ways, including steaming, in the oven, or in the microwave.

Delicious recipes for the winter

Today, there are many delicious recipes that involve the use of cucumbers and squash.

Classic cooking method

This canning method is simple. You'll need the following:

• 1 kilogram of squash;
• 3 kilograms of cucumbers;
• horseradish;
• bay leaf;
• garlic;
• black and allspice;
• dill.

To make the marinade, you should take:

• 60 grams of salt;
• 60 grams of sugar;
• 30 milliliters of vinegar essence.

Prepare the vegetables and place them in jars. Add the marinade ingredients to 2 liters of water, pour it into the jars, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Pour the liquid back in and bring to a boil again. Add vinegar, pour the marinade into the jars, and seal.

Crispy vegetables in a jar

To prepare crispy canned vegetables according to this recipe, you will need the following:

• 1 kilogram of cucumbers and squash;
• bay leaf;
• dried dill;
• 75 grams of sugar;
• 60 grams of salt;
• garlic;
• black and allspice.

It's recommended to prepare the ingredients and arrange them in jars with spices. Place a pot of water on the stove. Pour boiling water over the vegetables and let them sit for fifteen minutes. Add salt and sugar to the liquid. Pour it over the vegetables and seal.

With the addition of celery

To complete the spicy platter, in addition to the usual spices, you can add celery stalks. This greenery will impart a stunning, subtle flavor to the vegetables.

Pickled squash with cucumbers

Squash and cucumbers can be pickled or salted. This doesn't require vinegar. To pickle the vegetables, you'll need the following:

• 400 grams of squash;
• 500 grams of cucumbers;
• 1 large spoon of salt;
• cherry and currant leaves;
• 1.5 tablespoons of sugar;
• black pepper.

Salted squash Cucumber-based salads have excellent flavor. They're considered healthier because they don't contain vinegar. Furthermore, the assortment is perfect for making a variety of salads.

Recipe without sterilization

To avoid sterilization, you can make pickled vegetables. You don't need vinegar—just make a brine with salt and sugar. Pour the mixture over the vegetables. Let them sit at room temperature for a few days. Then, refrigerate.

Spicy preparation with cinnamon

If you're looking for a unique flavor, try using different spices. Cinnamon is considered one of the spices that pairs well with cucumbers and squash. To achieve this, add just a little bit of it to the classic recipe.

Pickled vegetables for the winter in pieces

Pickling sliced ​​vegetables is an interesting solution. Besides cucumbers and squash, you can pickle peppers, tomatoes, onions, and other fruits.

Assorted salad with squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes

To make this salad, mix equal parts cucumbers and tomatoes and add half as many squash. Pepper, cinnamon, and cloves are excellent spices. A bay leaf is also a good option.

Cucumber appetizer with squash

To make this appetizer, cut the vegetables into strips, season with salt, dill, sugar, and garlic. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, after which it's ready to eat.

Duration and storage conditions

Pickled vegetables can be stored in a pantry. They can also be placed on a glassed-in balcony. At a temperature of 15-18 degrees Celsius, they will keep for up to one year. It is not recommended to place the pickled vegetables near heat sources.

Canned food can be stored in a dry, ventilated basement for up to 2 years. To ensure the product stays fresh longer, the jars should be sterile and sealed tightly.

Cucumbers and squash are considered a harmonious combination. Therefore, these vegetables can be used to prepare various preserves. However, it's important to follow the recipe precisely.