Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Guatemala with our traditional dish, Chiles en Escabeche. Bursting with the rich heritage of Central American cuisine, this dish features an array of fiery chilies marinated in a tangy vinegar-based sauce, infused with a medley of aromatic spices. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, from the zesty tang of vinegar to the subtle heat of the chilies, complemented by hints of garlic, onion, and fragrant herbs. Perfect as a zesty condiment or a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite dishes, our Chiles en Escabeche recipe captures the essence of Guatemala's culinary prowess, delivering a taste sensation that will transport you to the bustling markets and vibrant streets of this beautiful country.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 jalapeño peppers
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 small white onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1- Begin by preparing the jalapeño peppers. Slice them into thin rounds, removing the seeds and ribs if you prefer a milder flavor.

2- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3- Add the sliced jalapeños and carrots to the saucepan, and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4- In a separate pot, combine the white vinegar, water, bay leaves, black peppercorns, oregano, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5- Once the vinegar mixture is boiling, carefully pour it over the vegetables in the saucepan.

6- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the vegetables in the vinegar mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are slightly tender but still crisp.

7- Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the chiles en escabeche to cool to room temperature.

8- Transfer the chiles en escabeche to a clean glass jar or container, making sure to include the liquid from the saucepan.

9- Cover the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate the chiles en escabeche for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

10- Serve chilled as a side dish or condiment alongside your favorite Guatemalan dishes. Enjoy the zesty and flavorful taste of authentic Guatemalan chiles en escabeche!

Nutritional Values :

Jalapeño peppers (1 pepper, about 14g):

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits : Rich in vitamins A and C, jalapeño peppers can help boost immunity, support healthy skin, and promote vision health.

Carrot (1 medium carrot, about 61g):

• Calories: 25
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits : Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. They are also high in fiber, promoting digestive health, and antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

White onion (1 medium onion, about 110g):

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1.9g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits : Onions contain compounds like quercetin and sulfur compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may also help support heart health and regulate blood sugar levels.

Garlic (2 cloves, about 6g):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0g

benefits : Garlic is known for its potent medicinal properties, including its ability to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. It also contains compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

White vinegar (1 cup, about 240ml):

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits : While low in nutrients, white vinegar is commonly used in cooking and has been linked to potential health benefits such as aiding digestion, controlling blood sugar levels, and supporting weight management.

Water (1 cup, about 240ml):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits : Water is essential for hydration and helps regulate body temperature, support digestion, and flush out toxins from the body.

Olive oil (1 tablespoon, about 14g):

• Calories: 119
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g

benefits : Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. It may help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on factors such as the specific variety of ingredients used and cooking methods.