Mary Clare Ulmer's Artichoke Pickles
- 2 1/2 pounds Jerusalem artichokes, brushed and cleaned
- 2 large white onions
- 2 red sweet (bell) peppers
- 1/4 head firm white cabbage
- 1 gallon water
- 2 cups kosher salt
- 1 cup bottled mustard, preferably sharp but not fiery
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 5 cups sugar
- 3 tablespoons mustard seed
- 4 tablespoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- Cut the cleaned artichokes into slices approximately one-quarter inch thick.
- Peel the onions, cut in half and slice very thinly.
- Cut the sweet peppers in half, remove core, seeds and white inner membrane.
- Slice sweet peppers in fine julienne.
- Core and finely shred the quarter head of cabbage.
- In a large bowl, combine salt and water and place the vegetables in this brine.
- Leave to soak for 24 hours.
- Then drain vegetables and rinse quickly under running water to remove excess salt.
- Set aside.
- Sterilize the pickle jars and tops.
- In a large kettle, mix the mustard with a few tablespoons of vinegar.
- When well-blended, add remaining vinegar and sugar, stirring until you have a thick, well-mixed cream.
- Add the mustard seed, turmeric and cayenne and mix well.
- Bring the mustard paste to a boil and cook at a rolling boil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is reduced and thickened.
- Remove from heat and add vegetables to the paste and mix thoroughly, until vegetables are well coated.
- Place over medium-high heat and quickly bring to a rolling boil.
- Then turn the heat down and simmer gently for three to four minutes.
- The vegetables should be thoroughly hot but still retain their crispness.
- Immediately fill the sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter of an inch at the top.
- Seal according to the manufacturer's instructions, and when cool store in a cool, dry place.
- Let stand at least 10 days before serving; may be kept several months.
artichokes, white onions, red sweet, white cabbage, gallon water, kosher salt, bottled mustard, white vinegar, sugar, turmeric, cayenne pepper
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/3546 (may not work)