Discover the authentic flavors of Latvia with this Traditional Latvian Pickles recipe (Marinēti Dārzeņi). This recipe features a variety of pickled vegetables, including crisp cucumbers and tangy cabbage, marinated to perfection in a flavorful brine. Ideal for adding a zesty touch to your meals, these pickles are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Explore the traditional Latvian way of preserving vegetables with this step-by-step guide to making Marinēti Dārzeņi.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg cucumbers (small to medium-sized)

- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped

- 2 large carrots, sliced

- 1 bell pepper, sliced

- 4 cloves garlic, peeled

- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds

- 1 tablespoon dill seeds

- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

- 1 bay leaf

- 750 ml water

- 250 ml white vinegar

- 3 tablespoons sugar

- 2 tablespoons salt

Instructions:

Prepare Vegetables:

  - Wash and scrub the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them if desired.

  - Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

  - Slice the carrots and bell pepper.

Sterilize Jars:

  - Sterilize glass jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Let them air dry.

Make Brine:

  - In a large saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat.

Pack Vegetables:

  - In each sterilized jar, place a few cloves of garlic, mustard seeds, dill seeds, black peppercorns, and a bay leaf.

  - Pack the cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper into the jars tightly but without crushing them.

Add Brine:

  - Pour the hot brine over the packed vegetables, leaving about 1 cm of headspace at the top of the jar. Ensure the vegetables are completely submerged.

Seal Jars:

  - Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

  - Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.

Cool and Store:

  - Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.

  - Store the pickles in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before consuming to allow the flavors to develop. 

Enjoy:

  - Once pickled, these Latvian vegetables are ready to add a tangy crunch to your meals. Enjoy them as a side dish, in salads, or as a tasty snack!

This recipe yields a delightful variety of pickled vegetables, capturing the essence of traditional Latvian cuisine in every jar.

Nutritional Values:

Cucumbers:

- Calories: 16

- Protein: 0.7g

- Carbohydrates: 3.6g

- Fiber: 0.5g

- Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

- Hydration: Cucumbers are about 95% water, which helps keep you hydrated.

- Low Calorie: They are low in calories and high in water, making them ideal for weight management.

- Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, which helps combat oxidative stress.

Cabbage:

- Calories: 25

- Protein: 1.3g

- Carbohydrates: 5.8g

- Fiber: 2.5g

- Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamins: Cabbage is high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, which support immune function and bone health.

- Digestive Health: It is a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion.

- Antioxidant Properties: Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation.

Carrots:

- Calories: 41

- Protein: 0.9g

- Carbohydrates: 10g

- Fiber: 2.8g

- Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

- High in Vitamin A: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health.

- Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage.

- Digestive Health: The fiber content aids in digestion and supports bowel regularity.

Bell Pepper:

- Calories: 20

- Protein: 0.9g

- Carbohydrates: 4.7g

- Fiber: 1.7g

- Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

- Rich in Vitamins: High in Vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and enhances skin health.

- Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein that support eye health.

- Anti-inflammatory: The antioxidants in bell peppers help reduce inflammation in the body.

Garlic:

- Calories: 149

- Protein: 6.4g

- Carbohydrates: 33g

- Fiber: 2.1g

- Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

- Antimicrobial Properties: Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties that help fight infections.

- Heart Health: It can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

- Anti-inflammatory: Garlic has anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body.

Mustard Seeds:

- Calories: 508

- Protein: 26g

- Carbohydrates: 28g

- Fiber: 12g

- Fat: 36g

Benefits:

- Rich in Nutrients: Mustard seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

- Anti-inflammatory: They contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and support joint health.

- Digestive Health: The fiber content aids in digestion and can help alleviate constipation.

Dill Seeds:

- Calories: 305

- Protein: 10g

- Carbohydrates: 55g

- Fiber: 7g

- Fat: 9g

Benefits:

- Digestive Aid: Dill seeds have carminative properties that help relieve digestive issues such as bloating and gas.

- Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.

- Anti-inflammatory: Dill seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health.

Black Peppercorns

- Calories: 255

- Protein: 10g

- Carbohydrates: 64g

- Fiber: 26g

- Fat: 3.3g

Benefits:

- Digestive Health: Black pepper stimulates digestive enzymes and improves digestion.

- Antioxidants: It contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals.

- Anti-inflammatory: Black pepper has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Bay Leaf:

- Calories: 313

- Protein: 7.6g

- Carbohydrates: 75g

- Fiber: 26g

- Fat: 8g

Benefits:

- Digestive Health: Bay leaves can help soothe digestive issues and support healthy digestion.

- Anti-inflammatory: They have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation.

- Rich in Vitamins: Bay leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C, which support overall health and immunity.