How to properly prepare German-style pickled tomatoes with apples for the winter, simple preparation methods

Preparing German-style tomatoes is a simple process, but it does require following the recommended proportions of the ingredients needed for pickling. Remarkably, pickled tomatoes are low in calories. Although the vinegar reduces some of the beneficial nutrients, they are still present. These include lycopene, a fairly powerful antioxidant, and beta-carotene. But most importantly, they turn out delicious with a pleasant apple aroma.

Description

Pickling tomatoes for the winter is always a good idea. This recipe makes the tomatoes delicious and makes a delightful appetizer for a family or holiday dinner. When cooked, they have a pleasant sweetness, thanks to the apples themselves. But it is worth noting that the amount of sugar in the recipe is higher compared to classic pickling recipes. If you use sour apples, this will add a pleasant sourness to the finished dish.

Selecting and preparing the necessary ingredients

Since pickling is done with apples, attention is paid to the preparation of two main ingredients:

1. Tomatoes should be ripe, firm, and undamaged. Remove stems and wash.
2. Wash the apples, cut them into wedges, and remove the cores. There's no need to peel the skin, especially since it contains a wealth of valuable nutrients.

Processing of cans

Preparing the marinating containers is crucial; otherwise, the finished product will spoil, and all your work will be in vain. There are several ways to sterilize them.

Microwave

To sterilize, fill the container ¼ full with water, place it in the microwave and cook until the liquid boils away.

Steam

This is a simple method. Fill a saucepan with water, place a metal strainer on top, place the container upside down on it, and hold it over steam for 10 minutes. You can also pour water into a metal teapot, and while it's boiling, hold the jar over the neck until it's hot.

Oven

Place clean containers of the required capacity upside down in a cold oven. Turn on the oven and preheat to 120^OC, leave for 10 minutes. Remove after cooling slightly.

The technique used

To prepare, in addition to the ingredients, you will need:

• glass containers with a capacity of 2-3 liters and lids;
• kitchen knife;
• cutting board;
• measuring cup, tablespoon or scale;
• a metal sieve if the jars will be sterilized over steam.

Step-by-step instructions

The amount of ingredients for cooking according to the classic recipe is calculated for a 3-liter container.

Necessary components:

• tomatoes - 2.5 kg
• apples - 1.5 kg
• sweet pepper - 450 g;
• vinegar - 50 ml;
• salt - 30 g;
• sugar - 90 g.

Scheme of actions:

1. Wash the apples, cut into slices, removing the core.
2. Wash the pepper, remove the core and cut into strips.
3. Fill a clean 3-liter container with vegetables, layering them with apple slices and pepper strips.
4. If desired, you can add parsley, cloves, and peppercorns.
5. Pour boiling liquid over the mixture, let it simmer for 5 minutes, drain, and use this liquid to make a brine. Add granulated sugar and salt, and bring to a boil.
6. Pour vinegar into the jar and pour boiling brine over it. Seal tightly, turn the jar upside down, and cover it.

If desired, you can add horseradish leaves and parsley to the ingredients. A small piece of hot pepper will add a touch of spice to the sweet and sour tomatoes, adding a hint of piquancy.

Adding mustard seeds will provide a delicate spiciness to the prepared vegetables.

Cooking methods

You can add a twist to the classic recipe and prepare German-style tomatoes in several variations. The quantities listed are for a 3-liter container.

In pink brine

Necessary components:

• tomatoes - 1.2 kg;
• apples - 650 g;
• beetroot - small;
• sweet pepper - one;
• salt - 35 g;
• a clove of garlic;
• black pepper - 4 peas;
• sugar - 90 g;
• vinegar - 110 ml;
• parsley;
• water - 950 ml.

Scheme of actions:

1. Line the bottom of a clean, sterilized jar with parsley, add a cut clove of garlic and peppercorns.
2. Peel the beets, wash them and cut them into thin slices.
3. Wash the pepper, remove the core and cut into strips.
4. Wash the apples, cut into slices, remove the core.
5. Place washed tomatoes in a jar, layering them with peppers, apples and beets.
6. Pour boiling liquid over and let stand for 10 minutes.
7. Drain the liquid and use it to make brine. Add the specified amount of sugar and salt and bring to a boil.
8. Pour vinegar into the jar. Pour boiling brine over it, seal tightly, turn it upside down, and wrap it up.

Green tomatoes with apples

Pickling green tomatoes German-style follows the classic recipe. You'll need:

• green tomatoes - 1.1 kg;
• apples (preferably sweet varieties) - 650 g;
• sugar - 90 g;
• garlic - clove;
• parsley - a few sprigs;
• salt - 35 g;
• vinegar - 95 ml;
• bell pepper - one;
• black pepper - 4 peas;
• water - 950 ml.

Scheme of actions:

1. Place chopped garlic and parsley on the bottom of a sterilized container.
2. Wash the apples, cut into slices, removing the core.
3. Add the tomatoes, mixing them with the apples. Pour boiling water over them and let them sit for 10 minutes. Drain.
4. Add sugar and salt to the drained liquid and bring to a boil. Pour the vinegar into a jar.
5. Pour boiling brine over the jar. Close tightly and, turning it upside down, wrap it up.

Further storage of tomatoes

Tomatoes marinated in this way can be stored at home, preferably in a dark place. If plastic lids were used for closing, it is recommended to store in a dark and cool place.

Tomatoes prepared according to any of the suggested recipes will become a favorite dish that will delight you throughout the long winter.