Green Tomato Pickles

Fresh-from-the-garden green tomatoes, red bell peppers, and onions are pickled in spices, brown sugar, and vinegar to make the most delicious condiment.

• Preparation Time: 2 hr
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 117 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 3 cups distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries
• 6 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cups brown sugar
• 1 gallon green tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon celery seeds
• 2 red bell peppers, minced
• 0.5 cup salt
• 0.5 lemon, sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Drain tomatoes and onions.

Step 2

Combine green tomatoes and onions in a large ceramic bowl or crock; sprinkle with salt. Refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.

Step 3

Pour cold water over tomatoes and onions; let stand for 1 hour.

Step 4

Meanwhile, place peppercorns, cloves, allspice berries, mustard seeds, and ground mustard into a small cheesecloth bag.

Step 5

Stir vinegar and brown sugar together in a large pot until well combined; add tomatoes, onions, minced red bell pepper, lemon slices, and the spice-filled cheesecloth bag. Bring to a low boil and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Check frequently; you may need to pull the pot off the heat occasionally to prevent scorching. Discard the spice bag.

Step 6

Fill the sterilized jars with tomato mixture, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Garnish with thin strips of red bell pepper by arranging vertically along the sides of the jars. Screw on the lids and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the jars and let cool completely. Refrigerate any that haven't sealed completely. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place.