Quick pickled peppers

Total time: 20 minutes, plus pickling time
Servings: Makes about 4 cups

8-10 whole peppers, 1 1/2 cups rice vinegar, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly smashed, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, 1 small onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick, 2 to 3 whole chiles de arbol or other small dried red chile (optional)
1. Cut a thin lengthwise slit on each side of each pepper to allow the brine to penetrate.
2. In a medium saucepan, simmer the vinegar with 2 cups of water, the garlic, salt, sugar, oregano, peppercorns, onion and dried chile, if desired, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Blanch the peppers in a large pot of boiling water until they begin to soften and the color just begins to fade, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the peppers and pat dry with a kitchen towel; do not rinse them.
4. Place the peppers, still warm, in a large nonreactive container with a cover and pour the vinegar solution over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate at least 8 hours.