Eggplants and roasted peppers for winter

Preparation of Eggplants and Roasted Peppers for Winter

The canning season is a special time that brings back childhood memories and moments spent with loved ones. On sunny autumn days, harvesting ripe vegetables brings a unique joy, and eggplants and roasted peppers are a delicacy that can be enjoyed throughout the winter. This simple and quick recipe will teach you how to prepare eggplants and roasted peppers, preserving their intense aroma and delicious taste for the cold months.

Preparation time: 30 min
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 min
Number of servings: Depends on quantity; approximately 10-15 servings, depending on how you portion them.

Ingredients:

- 45 kg of eggplants
- 5 kg of bell peppers
- A hot plate (preferably wood-fired)
- Large freezer bags
- An empty freezer, ready to receive the goodies

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cooking area:
- Start by going to the countryside, where nature offers you the freshest vegetables. If possible, choose eggplants and peppers from local producers to enjoy the authentic taste.
- Make sure you have a place to light a fire, preferably a wood-fired hot plate. The aroma of the wood adds an extra flavor to the dishes.

2. Roasting the vegetables:
- Once the hot plate is heated, place the eggplants and peppers on its surface. It is important to turn them on all sides to roast evenly. Roast until the skin becomes blackened and cracked, and the flesh becomes soft.
- Be prepared to get filled with smoke – this is a sign that the flavors are developing intensely!

3. Cooling and cleaning:
- After the vegetables are roasted, remove them from the hot plate. Place the eggplants in a covered pot and the peppers in large bags, tying them securely.
- Let the vegetables cool. This step is essential, as the steam will help detach the skin from the peppers.

4. Cleaning:
- Once the vegetables have cooled, carefully peel the skin off the peppers and the skin off the eggplants. This step can be easy, thanks to the steam that acted as a peeling agent.
- Allow the vegetables to drain well to avoid excess water.

5. Portioning and freezing:
- Portion the vegetables into suitable amounts for later use. Place them in freezer bags, labeling each bag with the date and type of vegetable.
- Put the bags in the freezer and get ready to enjoy the taste of summer even on cold winter days.

Useful tips:

- Choosing vegetables: Choose eggplants with smooth, shiny skin, and the peppers should be fleshy and blemish-free. The fresher the vegetables, the more intense the flavor will be.
- Preservation: Freezing is an excellent preservation method, keeping the vitamins and minerals of the vegetables. Roasted eggplants and peppers are rich in antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system.
- Serving: These roasted vegetables can be used in various dishes, such as salads, pasta, or as a side dish. A quick recipe would be to combine them with feta cheese and olive oil for a delicious summer salad.

Variations:

- Add spices: Before freezing the eggplants, you can add a little crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Experiment with types of peppers: Use hot peppers or sweet peppers to create an interesting mix of flavors.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I freeze the vegetables without roasting them?
- It is recommended to roast them to preserve the aroma and texture.

2. How long can I keep the frozen eggplants and peppers?
- Usually, they can be kept for 6-12 months in the freezer.

3. How can I use the roasted vegetables?
- You can add them to sauces, soups, sandwiches, or enjoy them plain with a drizzle of olive oil.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

- Eggplants contain about 25 calories per 100 g and are rich in fiber, vitamin B, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health.
- Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, having about 31 calories per 100 g. They help strengthen the immune system and improve vision.

I conclude this recipe with thoughts of moments spent with loved ones, at lavish meals where roasted eggplants and peppers are the stars. I hope this recipe brings you not only a delicious dish but also precious winter memories! Enjoy!