Canning Whole Serrano Peppers Recipes

CANNING PEPPERS (HOT OR SWEET)

Steps:

• Wash peppers before beginning.
• Roast peppers on all sides to blister the skin, using either a grill, stovetop burner or oven broiler for 8-10 minutes. A grill outdoors is my preferred method.
• After roasting, place peppers on a tray under a damp towel for about 15 minutes. This will help the skins slip.
• Remove the towel and slip the skins of the peppers. Be sure to use gloves for hot peppers. Working under running water in the sink helps the skins slip easier.
• Use a sharp paring knife to cut around the stem of each pepper and remove the stem, seed and core of each pepper. For hot peppers, simply cut off the top of each pepper and then remove the seeds. (Again, gloves are important here for hot peppers!)
• Pack the peppers into prepared canning jars, either as whole peppers, slices or dices. For whole peppers, smash the pepper flat before sliding it into the jar (3-4 whole peppers per pint). Be sure to leave 1 inch headspace.
• Prepare a pressure canner according to the manufacturers instructions. This usually means adding 2-3 inches of water to the bottom of the canner and bringing it up to a simmer with the bottom trivet in place.
• Bring a kettle of water to a boil on the stove and fill jars with boiling water, maintaining 1 inch headspace. De-bubble jars, adjust headspace, wipe rims and seal with 2 part canning lids to finger tight. Load into a preheated pressure canner.
• Place the lid on the pressure canner, but do not start bringing it up to pressure. Allow steam to vent for 10 minutes before adding the canning weight and bringing the canner up to pressure (see notes for pressure).
• Once at pressure, process jars for 35 minutes. Canning in pints or half pints is acceptable, but don't use quarts or larger jars. Be sure to maintain pressure for the entire process time, and if the canner drops below pressure, re-start the timer.
• Once the jars have processed at pressure for 35 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the canner to cool completely before removing the jars. (Don't ever attempt to rapid cool a pressure canner.)
• When cool, remove the jars and check seals. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use. Properly processed and sealed jars should maintain quality on the pantry shelf for 12-18 months.

PICKLED SERRANO PEPPERS

Steps:

• Make sure to start with clean jars and lids.
• In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of water with vinegar, sugar, salt, bay leaves, garlic, and spices. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
• While the brine is simmering, wash your peppers and pierce each one in a few places with a knife. Pack peppers into jars.
• Ladle hot brine over peppers, filling each jar completely with liquid. Put lids on jars and let cool. When jars have cooled, place in refrigerator.
• Pickled peppers will be ready to eat in about a week and will continue to improve in flavor as they sit.
• These pickled peppers must be stored in the refrigerator.

GRANDMA GRUMNEY'S CANNED ITALIAN HOT PEPPER RINGS

Steps:

• 1. Prepare peppers: Wash peppers, drain. Then, wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands, cut into rings about 1/2" thick. Discard stem ends. Place cut pepper rings into a large stainless steel bowl or pan, or glass bowl. Make brine using one gallon of water and 2 cups of salt, stir together until salt is dissolved. Pour brine over peppers. Cover and allow to soak overnight. (10-12 hrs)
• 2. Next day: Prepare quart sized jars for canning peppers. Clean, & sterilize jars, lids & rings. Place 2-3 cloves of garlic, Italian seasoning, EVOO, & alum (optional) in each quart sized jar.
• 3. In a large stock pot, make canning solution of 1 gallon water, one cup pickling salt, & 1 cup cider vinegar. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
• 4. Drain peppers. **** Rinse lightly with cold water. Pack peppers into quart size jars with garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Fill with canning solution. (make sure to release any air bubbles. Clean rim of jar. Tightly place lids and rims on jars. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. (Do not process in pressure cooker. Peppers will get mushy & not stay crisp.)
• 5. **** You may add small green tomatoes, small pickles, small pieces of cauliflower, &/ or carrot slices to make a hot pepper vegetable mix. Just soak vegetables in brine overnight with peppers
• 6. Store away in a cool place to allow seasonings to work. Can be used after 4 weeks, but they get better and hotter as more time goes by. For hot peppers and oil, pour peppers into a glass bowl and add 1/2 cup olive oil. Serve with fresh Italian bread and butter.

PICKLED PEPPERS

Steps:

• Cut 2 small slits in each pepper. Dissolve salt in 4 quarts water. Pour over peppers; let stand 12 to 18 hours in a cool place. Drain; rinse and drain thoroughly. , In a Dutch oven, combine the vinegar, sugar, garlic and remaining water; bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Remove garlic. Pack peppers into hot pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Carefully ladle hot liquid over peppers, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic utensil. Adjust lids. Process 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner.