Mexican pickled carrots

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots
½ cup sliced jalapeños (see notes)
½ cup medium white onion (about half an onion)
5 cloves garlic smashed
1½ cups white vinegar
1½ cups water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
6 bay leaves whole
10 black peppercorns
2 tsp dried Mexican oregano (or original oregano)
1 tsp salt
10 black peppercorns

Preparation

Peel and slice carrots and onion into ¼ inch thick pieces. Cut the stems off jalapeños and slice thin on diagonal. Set aside.

In a large stock pot add the garlic, vinegar, water, oil (omit if canning), bay leaves, peppercorns, oregano, salt. Bring to a boil and add the carrots, onion and jalapeños. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes, uncovered.

Allow to cool completely and store vegetables and cooking liquid in clean, sterile glass containers with lid. (This recipe fills 4 pint or 2 quart jars.) If more liquid is needed to cover add equal parts water and white vinegar. Keep refrigerated.

Fine to eat after 3 hours, best if pickled for at least a day or two.