Pickled Russula Mushrooms for Winter

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you pickle russula mushrooms for winter? Measure out the ingredients. Prep the mushrooms: sort through the fresh russulas and discard any that are wormy, soft, or that you have any doubts about — there are quite a few look-alike false russulas, and just one is enough to spoil the whole batch.

2. Step 2:

   

   Put the mushrooms in a basin and cover them with cold water from the shower head — from the shower, because a strong stream of water can crumble them. It's best to do this within 12 hours of picking, since after a day they start crumbling badly and darkening. Let them soak for 5-6 hours; this loosens the debris and sand stuck to the russulas. Carefully lift them out of the water and put them in a deep pot.

3. Step 3:

   

   Cover them with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse in cold water. Don't worry — the russulas have firmed up by now and won't crumble. Repeat this two more times.

4. Step 4:

   

   Pour water into a stainless steel pot and add the salt. Use coarse salt, since fine salt makes it easy to over-salt.

5. Step 5:

   

   Add the sugar to the pot and stir.

6. Step 6:

   

   Add the bay leaves, cloves, and peppercorns to the salt-and-sugar solution, set it over medium heat, and bring to a boil.

7. Step 7:

   

   Pour in the vinegar and boil for 2 minutes.

8. Step 8:

   

   Add the boiled russulas to the pot and cook for 15 minutes.

9. Step 9:

   

   Wash the jars and lids in hot water with baking soda, then rinse thoroughly. Sterilize the jars over steam for 10 minutes, set in a steaming ring on a pot — or in the microwave, with about an inch of water in each, at full power for 4-5 minutes. Boil the lids for 10 minutes over medium heat.

10. Step 10:

    

    Pack the russulas into the jars up to the shoulders and pour the marinade all the way to the top. Seal the lids tightly, turn the jars over, and wrap them until completely cool. Store the pickled russulas in a dry, cool, dark place. Enjoy!