Taqueria-Style Spicy Pickled Carrots

Taqueria-style spicy pickled carrots (zanahorias en escabeche) are served as side dishes in many Mexican taquerias but can easily be made at home.

Taqueria-Style Spicy Pickled Carrots

Course: PicklesCuisine: European
Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

30

minutes
Additional Time

1

minute
Total Time

1 hr 50 mins

Servings

6

Ingredients

  • 1 cup — white vinegar

  • 1 cup — water

  • 1 teaspoon — coarse sea salt

  • 12 ounces — carrots

  • 1 small — yellow onion

  • 6 medium — fresh jalapeños

  • 2 cloves — garlic

  • 1 tablespoon — vegetable oil

  • 2 large — bay leaves

  • 1 teaspoon — whole black peppercorns

  • 1 teaspoon — dried Mexican oregano

  • 1 teaspoon — cumin seeds

  • 1 teaspoon — extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  • Whisk vinegar, water, and sea salt together in a small saucepan; bring to a low boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat, and simmer until salt is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  • Peel carrots; cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices. Cut onion into quarters; cut each quarter into 3 strips. Cut stems off jalapeños; cut each jalapeño into 6 strips. Slightly crush each garlic clove.
  • Warm 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add carrots; cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 minutes. Add bay leaves, peppercorns, oregano, and cumin seeds; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add onion, jalapeños, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and fragrant but not soft, about 15 minutes.
  • Pack vegetable mixture into a 24-ounce wide mouth canning jar; pour in cooled vinegar mixture until liquid reaches 1 inch from the top. Pour 1 teaspoon olive oil on top; secure the lid. Cool to room temperature. The carrots are ready to serve after 1 hour but best after sitting for 24 hours.

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