Danube Winter Salad

Wash and peel the vegetables, then cut them: wedge the tomatoes, slice the onions into half-moons, cut the peppers into strips, grate the carrots coarsely, press the garlic, and finely chop the basil.

Place all the prepared vegetables into a large pot.

Make the brine: combine the oil, water, salt, sugar, vinegar, and spices, bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes, and remove from the heat.

Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, toss gently, and let marinate for 3 hours.

Place the pot over medium heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.