Some Like it Hot

Any self respecting soda has a chilera to offer patrons that adds some picante to any casado. And if you are not fluent in Spanish, that may be a lot to unpack in one sentence. First, a chilera is a jar of spicy fermented vegetables. A casado is a hearty, “married” man’s meal, a typical plate usually consists of rice, beans, a choice of meat, picadillo (vegetable medley) and salad, that is usually topped with a mandarin as dressing.

The chilera is almost a superfood given its fermented properties and its use of natural vinegar. Vinegar’s therapeutic properties include antibacterial activity, reduced arterial pressure, an antioxidant boost, reduced effects of diabetes, and cardiovascular illness prevention.

INGREDIENTS

• carrot • red bell pepper • white or yellow onions • cucumber • 4 cloves of garlic • white vinegar • 2 hot peppers (can be habanero) • water • jar (preferred glass)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash your vegetables and chop them into large pieces. The carrots are usually cut on the width, so left round and the cucumber is usually sliced on a mandolin into very thin slices. The onion is usually pretty thin too. 2. Place the water in a stockpot and boil the vegetables until just tender. You do not what them fully cooked. 3. Place the cooked vegetables into cold water or rinse them with cold water. 4. Crush the garlic and add to the jar. 5. Place all vegetables into your jar. Cover with vinegar. 6. Add the spice of choice and close the jar. 7. Ferment for 2-3 days and serve.

EXPERT’S TIP

Really you can add any vegetable you like, from celery to chayote. Traditionally, many families made this popular recipe with vinegar made from the banana called “guineo negro,” but plain white vinegar will suffice and for that extra flavour you can use the juice from jarred jalapeños or a previous batch to flavor your chilera.

¡Que lo disfrutes!Enjoy it!