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+ servings
RD Approved Badge - Gut Healthy
a close up image of a jar of mixed vegetables with water. Some vegetables in the background in a tray
5 stars (2 reviews)

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Gut Healing Foods: Fermented Vegetables

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 people
Fermented vegetables could offer key health benefits. In this easy DIY recipe, learn how to make fermented vegetables at home in your own kitchen. Plus, read about the other foods you should be eating—and the foods you should be limiting — to begin the process of healing your gut.

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Ingredients
 

  • 2 tbsp Himalayan salt, sea salt or pickling salt
  • 1 litre water, see Recipe Notes
  • 1.5 cups cauliflower, small florets
  • 6 radishes, cut in quarters
  • 1 carrot, large, cut in strips
  • 1 cup Indian green beans, ends trimmed
  • 10 cloves garlic, peeled, whole
  • 5 green chili, long, whole
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns

Instructions
 

  • Combine salt and water in a measuring cup and stir until the salt is dissolved. Let it come to room temperature before adding to the vegetables
  • Place the remaining ingredients in a clean, dry jar.
  • Pour the salt water over the vegetables, leaving at least 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
  • If necessary, add more water to cover the vegetables.
  • Cover the jar tightly and let it stand at room temperature for 2-3 days. If any mold or scum has formed on the top, simply remove.
  • Check for the 3 signs (as above) to assess if the fermentation process is successful.
  • After the fermentation process is complete, transfer the jar to the refrigerator.
  • These fermented vegetables will last for at least a month or longer in the refrigerator.

Notes

Top Tips For Making Easy Fermented Vegetables

  1. Rinse the vegetables in un-chlorinated water rather than tap water.
    Use salt that is free of iodine and/or anti-caking agents, which can inhibit fermentation. Chlorinated water can inhibit fermentation, so use spring, distilled, or filtered water if you can.
  2. Wash your vegetables thoroughly under cold water
  3. Use a 2 quart jar that's clean and dry
  4. Salt type is important. Don’t use salt with iodine – iodine can inhibit fermentation
  5. Ensure that all the vegetables are fully submerged in the salt water. You can add some more on top to cover the vegetables completely (yes, I will add more!)
  6. Label the jar with the date when you started fermentation. That way, you're not left to guess
  7. In the Summer, the vegetables will ferment faster versus the Winter - which could take up to 7 days
  8. Remember, the top of your vegetables (in the jar) are exposed to oxygen, which can promote growth of yeast and mold – but everything below the brine should be fine because of an oxygen-free environment. If you notice any mould, discard the layer.
  9. Always use a clean spoon when serving, versus eating out of the jar. You want to avoid contaminating the entire batch with germs from your mouth
  10. Once in the fridge, these will keep for several month. Enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 44kcal (2%)Carbohydrates: 8g (3%)Protein: 2g (4%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 0.2g (1%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 42mg (2%)Potassium: 285mg (8%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 1800IU (36%)Vitamin C: 46.2mg (56%)Calcium: 20mg (2%)Iron: 0.5mg (3%)

Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It's perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Cuisine: American, Fusion
Course: Appetizer, Side, Snack
Did you make this recipe?Mention @desiliciousrd on Instagram or tag #desiliciousrd.