Copper Pennies Recipe: A Classic Southern Dish with a Modern Twist

Copper pennies is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed for generations around family reunions, picnics, and holiday meals. The name is ironic; this is not any type of copper penny money, but rather a description of a savory sweet-and-tangy marinated carrot salad. The name of this dish comes from the small and round shape of the carrots that look like pennies and the bright copper color of the carrots when marinated in a dressing.

Copper Pennies are delicious, the way the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all combine. The carrots, the slightly sweet and sour dressing, and many spices are staples, but the recipe is lenient to take it in your own particular ways. The dish makes for an excellent side service. It can be served either cooled or at room temperature and can be put together beforehand for meal preparation, used for a barbecue, or a completely casual meal.

In this piece, we’ll dive into a series of events that preceded the origin of Copper Pennies, and then we will discuss a recipe in very minute detail. We will then answer some of the most frequently asked questions toward the end, so you make the best Copper Pennies every time, of course.

History of Copper Pennies:

Copper Pennies are a Southern-style pickled vegetable salad. The recipe was typically served cold at family picnics and church picnics. The name comes from the similarity in color and shape of the carrot disks that resemble pennies, although the orange color of the carrots, enhanced by pickling, makes the whole salad bright copper.

All these aside, the durability of this dish lies in its simplicity, versatility, and even the fact that it can be prepared ahead. The carrots are featured as the main ingredient of this dish deliciously without overcooking them. Over the years, people have come up with different variations of the recipe, including vegetables such as bell peppers and onions to give it a crunchy texture and flavor. The core ingredients, however, remain the carrots and the sweet-and-sour dressing.

Recipe: Copper Pennies

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced to about ¼ inch thick round
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped, optional
• red bell pepper, chopped, optional
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoon mustard seed, optional
• teaspoon of celery seed, optional
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for just a touch of tang)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 teaspoon paprika (optional for added color)

Instructions:.

• Prepare the Carrots: Peel carrots, then slice them into thin, round disks about ¼” thick. You can use your best sharp knife, but a mandoline slicer is ideal for uniform thickness. This is critical because the carrot slices will marinate so much better if they’re all the same size.
• Blanch the Carrots: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch sliced carrots in boiling, salted water for about 3-4 minutes, until just barely tender but still crisp. You want to end up with carrots that retain some texture in the finished dish. Be careful not to overcook them.
• Cool carrots as soon as cooked: drain and plunge into an ice-water bath to stop cooking. This will help retain color and crunch.

• The Preparation of the Dressing: Mix sugar, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, mustard seed, celery seed, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing begins to simmer. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then take it off the heat. Now, spices and seasonings have been added to the dressing

Variations:

The Copper Pennies recipe is wonderful as is, but there are so many variations you can experiment with :

• Add Veggies: Sliced celery, sliced cucumbers, even pimentos add some flavor and color.
• Some Spice: A little kick can be added by red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a small amount of hot sauce.
• Other Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is classic, but you may want to play with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar to change the tang.

Sweeteners You may also use honey, maple syrup, or sugar substitute if you want a more natural sweetener.

Why You’ll Love Copper Pennies:

• So simple to make: Copper Pennies have so few ingredients and are so easy to prepare that they’re perfect for weeknights when time to cook is nonexistent, or when you have to prepare hundreds of them for a party.
• Great for Meal Prep: The best part of this recipe is that it can be prepared a day or two ahead of time. The longer the pennies marinate, the better the flavors are. Make it a day or two ahead, and it will be ready for when you need it.
• Versatile: You can prepare these Copper Pennies with extra veggies, just a hint of spice, and a sweeter dressing to your preference.
• Nutrient-Rich: Featuring carrots, this is a healthy veggie delight rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins.
• A Crowd Pleaser: Its colorful presentation and blend of flavors make this a crowd-pleaser in any family dinner gathering, barbecue, or potluck.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Copper Pennies:

1. Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

Yes, baby carrots can be used in place of the regular ones, but you must cut them up into rounds as well. Since baby carrots are more diminutive in comparison, they would likely cook faster. So you will have to experiment to find just the right blanching time so they won’t become mushy.

2. How long do Copper Pennies keep in the refrigerator?

Copper Pennies will last well in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Flavors improve with age because pennies can be prepared in advance and enjoyed over a few days. Just ensure you keep them in an airtight container so that they stay fresh.

3. Can I make Copper Pennies without using oil?

The oil defines the texture and flavor of the dressing. However, for a lighter version, you can cut down the use of oil or even replace it with a healthier oil like olive oil. If you altogether avoid using the oil, you will lose out on the richer flavor, but the result will still be delicious.

4. Do I need to blanch the carrots?

Blanching the carrots is a good idea also because that helps keep the color bright, and the texture crisp and minimizes that raw earthy flavor. If you don’t blanch them, they might be just a little bit tougher and the dish does not quite have that freshness in it from blanching.

5. Can I add other vegetables to Copper Pennies?

You can also add other vegetables to give the dish a tasty flavor and crunch. You can add sliced celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and even red onions to this salad; however, ensure you go a little short on marinating time if using these ingredients with high-content water.

Conclusion:

Copper Pennies is one of those old Southern dishes where sweet and tangy as well as savory flavors blend in perfect harmony. Whether you’re planning a big family get-together or just looking for an easy side dish that tastes great, copper pennies are sure to be a pleasure. With their bright color, delightful crunch, and versatility, they can be easily adapted to fit your tastes. The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent option for busy cooks. Give this classic dish a try, and it just might end up being your new staple at your next shindig!