Turşu, a traditional Turkish delicacy, involves pickling a variety of vegetables like cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, and peppers in a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices. This ancient preservation method dates back centuries, with its roots in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. The recipe varies regionally and is cherished for its tangy, crunchy, and flavorful profile, often served as a side dish or appetizer. Its enduring popularity speaks to its rich history and versatile taste.

Ingredients:

- Assorted vegetables (cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, peppers)

- Vinegar

- Water

- Salt

- Sugar

- Garlic

- Spices (optional, like dill, bay leaves, peppercorns)

Method:

1. Wash and chop the vegetables into desired sizes.

2. In a pot, combine equal parts vinegar and water. Add salt and sugar to taste, and bring to a boil.

3. Place the vegetables in sterilized jars, along with garlic cloves and any desired spices.

4. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged.

5. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.

6. Store the turşu in a cool, dark place for at least a week before consuming to allow flavors to develop.

This recipe yields tangy and crunchy pickled vegetables, perfect as a side dish or appetizer.

Nutrition Value:

1. Assorted Vegetables (cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, peppers):

  - Calories: 20-30 per serving (100g)

  - Carbohydrates: 4-6g

  - Protein: 1-2g

  - Fat: 0-1g

  - Sodium: 5-15mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C (peppers), vitamin K (cabbage), and vitamin A (carrots)

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, magnesium, and various trace minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

2. Vinegar:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds tanginess and acts as a natural preservative.

3. Water:

  - No calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, sodium, or cholesterol

  - Nutritional Benefit: Essential for hydration and bodily functions.

4. Salt:

  - No calories, carbohydrates, protein, or fat

  - Sodium: 2300mg per teaspoon (recommend intake varies)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative.

5. Sugar:

  - Calories: 16 per teaspoon (4g)

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness to the pickling liquid.

6. Garlic:

  - Calories: 5 per clove (3g)

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Has antioxidant properties and offers various health benefits.

7. Spices (optional, like dill, bay leaves, peppercorns):

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aroma to the pickling liquid.

These numbers provide a rough estimate of the nutritional content of each ingredient, helping to understand their impact on overall health and dietary needs.