Eggplants and peppers in tomato sauce for winter

Eggplant and Bell Pepper Recipe in Tomato Juice for Winter

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy way to preserve vegetables for winter, you've come to the right place. This eggplant and bell pepper recipe in tomato juice is simple, quick, and will help you enjoy the taste of summer even on the coldest winter days. Besides being a preservation recipe, it also serves as a perfect base for various dishes, such as a savory vegetable stew. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 720 ml

Ingredients

- 4 large eggplants
- 16 large bell peppers, preferably red
- Approximately 700 ml of tomato juice
- Oil (olive or sunflower)
- Salt
- 6 jars of 720 ml

A Bit of History

Preserving vegetables is an ancient practice used by generations to ensure healthy food during winter. Eggplants and bell peppers, due to their texture and rich flavor, have become favorites in winter dishes. This recipe will not only bring the flavors of summer into your pantry, but it is also an excellent way to keep your vegetables fresh and full of nutrients.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the eggplant:
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the eggplants, removing the bitter skin.
- Wash the eggplants under cold running water and cut them into cubes. It's essential to cut them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sprinkle salt over the eggplant cubes and let them sit in a colander for about 30 minutes. This step will help remove excess water and bitterness.

2. Preparing the bell peppers:
- Wash the bell peppers and remove the seeds, then cut them into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Red bell peppers are ideal due to their natural sweetness.

3. Cooking the vegetables:
- Start with two non-stick pans. Add a little oil to each pan. Divide the vegetables into portions: add two handfuls of eggplant to one and bell peppers to the other.
- Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 3 minutes. This time is enough to soften them and enhance their flavors.
- Let the vegetables drain in a bowl, and if necessary, repeat the process until all the vegetables are cooked.

4. Mixing the vegetables:
- Once all the vegetables have cooled slightly, combine them in a large pot, mixing them well. This is the base for your future jars.

5. Sterilizing the jars:
- It is essential to sterilize the jars to prevent bacterial growth. You can do this by boiling them for 15 minutes or baking them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes.
- Ensure that the jars and lids are completely dry after sterilization.

6. Filling the jars:
- In each sterilized jar, add a layer of tomato juice (about the width of two fingers), then fill the jars with the vegetable mixture. It is important that the vegetables are well covered with tomato juice.
- Seal the jars tightly, then turn them upside down 2-3 times to evenly distribute the tomato juice.

7. Final sterilization:
- Place the jars in a large pot of water, ensuring the water covers the jars up to the top rim.
- Sterilize them for 30 minutes from the moment the water starts to boil.
- Once the time is up, remove the jars from the stove, cover them with kitchen towels, and let them cool completely in the pot. This step helps create a vacuum inside the jars.

8. Storage:
- After they have cooled completely, store the jars in a pantry in a cool, dark place. You can label the jars to know what they contain.

Tips and Tricks

- Choose fresh vegetables: The quality of the ingredients makes a significant difference in the final taste. Choose eggplants and bell peppers that are firm, without spots or signs of damage.
- Vary the flavors: You can add herbs such as basil or oregano to the vegetable mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Enjoy combinations: These eggplants and bell peppers in tomato juice are perfect for use in various recipes, such as baked dishes, soups, or even as a side dish.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- *Can I use other vegetables?* Yes, you can add zucchini, carrots, or onions, depending on your preferences.
- *How can I check if the jars are sealed?* After they have cooled, press the center of the lid; if it does not pop up, the jar is sealed.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, while bell peppers contain vitamins A, C, and K. Tomato juice is an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This combination will not only improve your health but also add a splash of color and flavor to your meals.

Serving and Pairing

To enjoy this dish, you can serve it alongside a slice of fresh bread or rice. It also pairs perfectly with a glass of white or red wine, depending on your preferences.

This eggplant and bell pepper recipe in tomato juice for winter is more than just a simple preservation; it is a way to bring the flavors of summer to every winter meal. Give it a try, and you won't regret it! I look forward to hearing your thoughts and how it turned out!