Aromatic sauce

Aromatic Sauce for Oven Dishes - A Delicious and Versatile Recipe

Who doesn't love the aroma of a sauce that transforms a simple dish into a true explosion of flavors and joy? Today, I invite you to discover how to prepare an aromatic sauce that will not only enrich meals like roasted chicken or pork but will also pair perfectly with fish. This recipe is a delicious twist on ketchup, bringing a touch of magic to your kitchen!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 jars of 400 g

Your ingredients will be:

- 2 kg Kapia peppers
- 2 l red broth
- 1 kg celery
- 6 onions
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 200 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons non-iodized salt
- 100 ml vinegar
- 2 sprigs of sage
- 2 sprigs of basil
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 packet of preservative

Let's get to work!

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Cut the Kapia peppers into large pieces, peel the celery, and cut it into cubes. The onions and garlic should also be peeled. This step may seem trivial, but it is essential for achieving a smooth and tasty sauce.

Step 2: Chopping the Vegetables
Use a food processor to chop all the vegetables into a fine consistency. This step will not only save you time but will also ensure the sauce is homogeneous, giving it a pleasant texture in the end. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a knife, but it will require a bit more effort.

Step 3: Cooking the Sauce
In a large pot, add the broth and the chopped vegetables along with all the spices: cumin, curry, marjoram, allspice, cinnamon, oregano, and pepper. These flavors, combined with the sweetness of the peppers and sugar, will create a complex and delicious taste.

Bring the sauce to a boil and let it simmer on low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. At the end of this step, remove the sprigs of herbs.

Step 4: Preserving the Sauce
After an hour, add the salt, vinegar, and preservative. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients. Now it's time to fill the clean, dry jars with the warm sauce, leaving a little space at the top.

Step 5: Cooling and Storing
Screw the lids onto the jars and place them in a warm spot, covering them with a blanket. Let them sit like this for two days. This technique will help develop flavors and improve the preservation of the sauce.

Practical Tips:
- You can experiment with different types of vinegar (apple, balsamic) to achieve different flavor nuances.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add ground hot pepper or chili flakes to the mixture.
- For a sweeter note, you can replace part of the sugar with honey.

Nutritional Benefits:
This sauce is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Kapia peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, while celery provides fiber and essential minerals. Additionally, the spices not only add flavor but also have antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add carrots or zucchini, depending on your preferences.

2. What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can dilute the sauce with a bit of water or broth, mixing well to achieve the desired consistency.

3. How can I use this sauce in other dishes?
This sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, and even as a marinade for meat.

Serving:
I recommend serving this sauce alongside oven dishes, but don't hesitate to use it as a base for pizza sauce or even as a dressing for heartier salads.

Possible Variations:
For a more aromatic sauce, you can also add other herbs like rosemary or lovage. Experiment with different types of sugar or sweeteners to find the combination that suits you best.

In conclusion, this aromatic sauce recipe is not only a great way to enrich your meals but also an opportunity to explore the flavors and ingredients you love. So, don't hesitate to play with the ingredients and customize the recipe to your tastes! Enjoy!