Homemade Peppers in Sour Cream – A Traditional Recipe for Winter

Peppers in sour cream are a delightful and time-honored dish that has been cherished in our region for generations. This simple yet delicious recipe allows you to preserve the rich flavors of peppers for the winter season, pairing them perfectly with boiled or baked potatoes, hot pastries, or other hearty dishes. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this traditional treat.

Ingredients You Will Need:

1 kg of somborka or babura peppers (clean and high quality)

900 g of fresh cheese (optional)

850 g of 21% sour cream

1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Peppers

Start by cleaning and deseeding the peppers. Remove the pin at the top with a knife and poke the peppers multiple times to allow them to release excess moisture. Sprinkle about half a teaspoon of salt inside each pepper, then shake them gently. Arrange the salted peppers in a container and let them sit overnight or for at least 12 hours. This softens the peppers and drains out excess liquid, ensuring they absorb the flavors better.

2. Draining and Filling the Peppers

After 12 hours, you’ll notice that the peppers have softened and released their moisture. Drain the excess liquid before proceeding. Now, mix the fresh cheese with sour cream and add salt to taste. If you prefer, you can use only sour cream without the cheese for a creamier texture.

Fill each softened pepper with the sour cream mixture and arrange them in sterile glass jars. To ensure even distribution, start by adding a spoonful of sour cream at the bottom of each jar, then layer the filled peppers and more sour cream alternately. Arrange the peppers as you like and make sure to leave some space at the top of the jars. Finally, cover the peppers completely with sour cream to create a seal.

3. Storing and Using the Peppers

From this recipe, you’ll yield approximately three jars and one additional container of peppers in sour cream. Store them in the refrigerator and allow them to sit for at least seven days before consumption. This waiting period enhances the flavors and ensures a rich, creamy taste.

Serving Suggestions

Peppers in sour cream are incredibly versatile. Serve them with:

Boiled or baked potatoes

Warm, freshly baked bread

Traditional meat dishes

Grilled vegetables or other winter comfort foods

Happy cooking, and best wishes!