Cooper Pennies(Makes 5 Cups)
Cooper Pennies are tangy, sweet pickled carrots with onions and green peppers, perfect as a snack or condiment for those who enjoy flavorful, homemade preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. fresh carrots, sliced in 1/4-inch rounds ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, sliced thin and separated ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 3/4 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 2/3 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook carrots in a small amount of salted water until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain and combine with sliced onions and green pepper strips.
- Stir together the remaining ingredients: vinegar, sugar, salt, cooking oil, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Before serving, drain the vegetables, reserving the marinade for leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or substituting apple cider vinegar for the regular vinegar. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also enhance the flavor profile. Always taste the marinade before use to adjust seasonings as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Cooper Pennies make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches, especially when paired with Easy Summer Salad for a refreshing complement. They can also be served as a tangy topping for burgers or enjoyed as a crunchy snack. Try them alongside Barbecue Potato Wedges for a perfect summer meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to meld and improve over time. To serve, simply drain the vegetables and enjoy cold, or let them come to room temperature. Avoid reheating as it may alter the texture of the vegetables.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cooper Pennies(Makes 5 Cups) contains roughly 346 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (183% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen carrots instead of fresh?
While fresh carrots are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with other vegetables, as excess moisture can dilute the marinade.
How long should I marinate the vegetables?
For best results, marinate the vegetables for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and enhances the overall taste. Just remember to drain them before serving to avoid a watery dish.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding sliced cucumbers, celery, or bell peppers for variety. Just keep in mind the cooking times for any additional vegetables, as some may require different preparation methods.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).