Pork or Poultry Brine

Ingredients

• water , as needed
• 3 carrots , sliced
• 3 stalks celery , sliced
• 2 small onions , sliced
• 1.5 cups kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 lemons , sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper , sliced
• 6 cloves garlic , chopped

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill a large pot with water to about 3/4-full; add carrots, celery, onions, kosher salt, brown sugar, lemon slices, bell pepper, and garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer mixture for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Let the brine cool at room temperature for 10 minutes before refrigerating to chill completely, at least 1 hour more.

3. 3

   Strain brine into a separate food-safe container.