Chili Pasta

Spicy Vegetable Paste Recipe: A Delicacy for Lovers of Intense Flavors

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 4 small jars

Who doesn't love a tasty paste that brings a splash of color and flavor to daily meals? This spicy vegetable paste recipe combines juicy tomatoes, delicious bell peppers, and hot peppers, is quick to prepare, and is perfect as a base for various dishes or as a sauce for appetizers. It is a recipe with deep roots in culinary traditions, used for generations to preserve the flavors of summer.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 kg bell peppers or sweet peppers
- 1 kg tomatoes
- 30 hot peppers
- 8 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably white wine for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (for a subtle sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 8 cloves of garlic (fresh, for an intense flavor)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
Start by washing the tomatoes and peppers thoroughly. For the tomatoes, blanch them quickly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This method will make the skin peel off easily. Peel them and chop into pieces.

Remove the stems and seeds from the sweet and hot peppers, then cut them into large pieces. It is important to wear gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid irritation.

Step 2: Grinding the Vegetables
Use a food processor or blender to grind the chopped vegetables. This will create a smooth paste, which will become the base of your preparation.

Step 3: Cooking the Paste
In a large pot, add the vegetable paste obtained. Add the vinegar, honey, and salt, mixing well. Heat the mixture over medium heat and let it boil for 20-30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the desired consistency; the longer you boil, the thicker the paste will be.

Step 4: Final Mixing
Once the mixture has boiled, use an immersion blender to puree it well, achieving a fine texture. This step is crucial, as a smooth paste will have a much more pleasant taste.

Step 5: Preparing the Garlic
In a mortar, crush the garlic cloves together with a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt. Add this "ointment" to the pot about 30 seconds before turning off the heat, to release its flavors into the mixture.

Step 6: Bottling
Prepare sterilized jars for preservation. Carefully transfer the hot vegetable paste into the jars, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Seal the jars and place them in a hot water bath (double boiler) for 20 minutes to properly seal them.

Serving and Variations
This spicy vegetable paste can be used in countless ways: as a base for sauces, added to soups or stews, or simply as a condiment on a slice of toasted bread. You can experiment with different types of peppers (for example, sweet and hot peppers in various proportions) to achieve a customized taste.

Useful Tips
- Heat Control: If you prefer a less spicy paste, reduce the amount of hot peppers or replace some of them with bell peppers.
- Preservation: Ensure that the jars are well sealed; you can check this by pressing the lid – if it doesn’t give way, they are well sealed.
- Nutritional Values: This vegetable paste is full of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, while hot peppers contain capsaicin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can add carrots, onions, or celery to diversify the flavor.
- How can I keep the paste longer? Ensure the jars are well sterilized and store them in a cool, dark place.
- Is this paste vegan? Absolutely! It is a 100% plant-based recipe.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! This spicy vegetable paste will bring a touch of good taste to every meal, and you will be proud of your creation. Happy cooking!