Escabeche Janet (Costa Rican Pickled Vegetable Medley)

Quick details

• Prep: 30 min
• Cook: 25–35 min
• Rest: cool completely before serving
• Yield: about 3–4 liters (approx.)

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Ingredients

• 1 kg green beans (vainicas)
• 1 kg carrots
• 1 large cauliflower
• 1 kg ripe tomatoes, fresh
• 4 red sweet peppers (chiles dulces)
• 4 green sweet peppers (chiles dulces)
• 1 kg onions
• 1 tbsp garlic
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 small packet whole cloves (clavos de olor)
• 2 Panamanian-style tomatinas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 2 and 1/2 tbsp salt
• 2 and 1/2 tbsp sugar
• Jalapeño or Panamanian chile, whole and uncut (optional)

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Instructions

1) Wash and prep

1. Wash very well the green beans, carrots, cauliflower, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and thyme.
2. Cut the green beans, carrots, and cauliflower into small pieces.
3. Chop the sweet peppers, onions, and peeled tomatoes into small pieces.

2) Cook the base vegetables

1. Cook the green beans, carrots, and cauliflowerwithout salt until just tender.
   • You can boil, steam, or use the microwave.

3) Build the escabeche

1. Heat a pot and add the oil.
2. Add thyme, bay leaves, cloves, and garlic, and sauté briefly.
3. Add the cooked vegetables.
4. Add the chopped sweet peppers, onion, and the vinegar.
5. Add the tomatinas.
6. Dissolve the tomato paste in the water and add it to the pot.
7. Add the salt, sugar, and the tomato.

4) Simmer gently

1. Bring to a boil with the pot covered.
2. Only once it is boiling, stir very carefully so the vegetables do not break.
3. If using, add the whole jalapeño/Panamanian chile.
4. Cover again and simmer about 10 minutes.

5) Jar and cool

1. While still hot, transfer to a properly sterilized glass or plastic container and cover.
2. Let cool completely before serving.

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Serving ideas

• Serve as a side with arroz con pollo, and meats.
• Great with tortillas or as a topping for sandwiches.

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Notes

• Keeping the chile whole and uncut adds aroma with milder heat.
• Taste and adjust vinegar, salt, and sugar to your preference.