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Copper Pennies

This copper pennies recipe with carrots, celery, bell pepper, and onion is one my mom used to make in the summer for picnics.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 5 people
Calories 1853.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan Medium-sized for the dressing
  • 1 Large Pot For boiling carrots
  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough to combine all ingredients
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting Board

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 10.5 ounce can condensed tomato soup
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds carrots sliced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 stalk celery chopped

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Photographer: Rachel Marek / Food Styling: Addelyn Evans
  • Bring condensed soup, sugar, vinegar, and oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir well, remove from the heat, and let cool until needed. Photographer: Rachel Marek / Food Styling: Addelyn Evans
  • At the same time, bring a large pot of water to a boil; add carrots and boil until just tender, about 10 minutes. Photographer: Rachel Marek / Food Styling: Addelyn Evans
  • Drain carrots and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Pour soup mixture over vegetables and stir until coated. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight, before serving. Photographer: Rachel Marek / Food Styling: Addelyn Evans

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider a small amount of minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the soup mixture for added depth. Ensure carrots are boiled *al dente*—just tender enough to bite, not mushy, to maintain textural integrity. The raw bell pepper, onion, and celery provide a crucial crisp contrast; choose fresh, firm vegetables. Allow the sauce to cool completely before combining with vegetables to prevent them from cooking further. The overnight refrigeration is essential for flavors to meld and develop the characteristic 'penny' taste. For a gourmet touch, a hint of fresh dill or parsley before serving can brighten the dish.