What You’ll Need
- Green peppers
- Sweet and sour sauce
- Glass jars with tight-fitting lids
- Water bath canner
- Canning tongs
Step 1: Prepare the Green Peppers
Wash your green peppers thoroughly and remove the stems, seeds, and membranes. Cut the peppers into desired shapes, such as slices or chunks. Make sure to remove any blemishes or discolored areas.
Step 2: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
You can either use store-bought sweet and sour sauce or make your own at home. If making your own, combine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture thickens to a desired consistency.
Step 3: Blanch the Green Peppers
Blanching helps preserve the texture and color of the green peppers. Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the pepper slices. Allow them to cook for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, drain the peppers.
Step 4: Pack the Jars
Fill the sterilized glass jars with the blanched green peppers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the peppers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave some space between the sauce and the jar’s rim.
Step 5: Seal and Process the Jars
Wipe the jar rims clean to remove any sauce residue. Place the lids on the jars and tighten them securely. Carefully transfer the jars to a water bath canner filled with boiling water. Process for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Store and Enjoy
Once the processing time is complete, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel-lined surface. Afterward, check the lids to ensure proper sealing. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for long-term storage. The sweet and sour green peppers can be enjoyed for up to a year!
Preserving green peppers in sweet and sour sauce is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and enjoy their flavors throughout the year. With a few simple steps, you can transform fresh green peppers into a delightful addition to your favorite dishes. So, grab your peppers, whip up some sweet and sour sauce, and start preserving!