| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 290 | 0.4g | 0g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 6g | 2g | 4g |
Indulge me, if you will, as I share a delightful tale about the fusion of West African flavors and Southern charm. Yes, you guessed it right, we are delving into the delightful intricacies of preparing and savoring a plate of Pickled Cannas Rhizomes.
A Tale of Two Continents
My love for this recipe is deeply rooted (pun intended!) in my upbringing as the child of Nigerian parents in the warm embrace of Atlanta’s southern hospitality. This Afro-Southern fusion, exemplified in the Pickled Cannas Rhizomes, is the perfect blend of two rich culinary cultures that I am a part of.
Just like my colorful heritage, the kitchens from where I draw my inspiration also brim with vibrancy. On sweet, balmy afternoons, you could find my mother using cannas rhizomes from the local market, instilling in me a fondness for these versatile bulbs.
Pickled Cannas Rhizomes: The Perfect Fusion
When preparing this dish, you are hit with an encompassing symphony of flavors – the sharpness of vinegar, the sweetness of sugar, the heat from red chilli peppers, and the well-rounded aroma from the mix of spices.
This recipe is reminiscent of the classic southern pickled cucumbers or the Nigerian ‘tsire’ skewers in terms of flavor combination.
And considering the versatility of pickled vegetables in general, you can pair these flavorful rhizomes with almost any dish. Think crunchy sandwiches or tangy salads, beside a hearty steak or as a standalone appetizer, the possibilities are endless!
Not Just A Pretty Plate
If flavor isn’t convincing enough, let me allure you with the potential health benefits of Pickled Cannas Rhizomes. Cannas are known to be low in calories, high in fiber, and full of antioxidants. They are additionally laden with vitamin C and iron.
The vinegar used in pickling also nourishes your body with probiotics, aiding in digestion and boosting the overall gut health. So, this dish doesn’t just tantalize your taste buds but packs a healthy punch too!
I hope that this glimpse into my love for Pickled Cannas Rhizomes inspires you to introduce it to your own kitchens and savor the complex fusion of flavors that this dish offers.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds of cleaned canna rhizomes
- 5 cups of water
- 3 cups of distilled white vinegar
- 2 cups of granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
- 5 cloves of fresh garlic, peeled
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 red hot chili peppers, sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your canna rhizomes. They should be cleaned thoroughly and cut into a size that fit into your jars.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the water, white vinegar, white sugar, kosher salt, yellow mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and the slices of red hot chili pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step Three
Lower the heat and let this mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the pickling liquid.
Step Four
While the pickling liquid is simmering, pack the cleaned canna rhizomes tightly into sterilized canning jars. Make sure to leave about a half inch of space from the top of the jar.
Step Five
Once the pickling liquid is ready, carefully pour it over the canna rhizomes in the jars. Make sure to cover them completely with the liquid and that there are no air bubbles trapped in the jars.
Step Six
Add a slice of lemon on top of each jar and then seal them tightly.
Step Seven
Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes. This will seal the lids and preserve the pickled cannas rhizomes for a longer period.
Step Eight
After the jars have cooled, store them in a dark and cool location for at least 2-3 weeks before consuming. This will allow the rhizomes to absorb the flavors of the pickling liquid.
Enjoy your pickled cannas rhizomes as a delicious accompaniment to any meal!
