Eggplants with roasted peppers for winter in a jar

Eggplants with roasted peppers in a jar for winter

Every year, as summer bids farewell, I am overcome with nostalgia for seasonal flavors. Eggplants and roasted peppers are undoubtedly a symbol of summer. These aromatic vegetables, with their rich taste and delicate texture, can be transformed into a delicious eggplant salad, carefully preserved for the coming winter. This recipe is ideal for those who want to enrich their winter supplies without taking up too much space in the freezer. Let's embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation and preservation time

- Preparation time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: Depends on the size of the jars (approximately 4-6 jars of 500 ml)

Ingredients

- 4-5 large, ripe, and healthy eggplants
- 3-4 bell peppers (red or green, as preferred)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for the salad (optional, added later)

A bit of history

The recipe for eggplants with roasted peppers in a jar has deep roots in popular culinary traditions, where food preservation was essential for surviving long winters. Eggplants, with their unique texture, and peppers, with their sweetness and aroma, have always been allies in the kitchen. Today, this combination is not only a way to preserve seasonal vegetables but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table.

Preparing the vegetables

1. Preparing the eggplants: Wash the eggplants under a stream of cold water and dry them. Cut them in half lengthwise or into quarters, depending on your preference. Frying or baking the eggplants will help intensify the flavors.

2. Roasting the peppers: Just like the eggplants, wash the peppers and remove the stems. You can grill them or roast them in the oven. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 200°C and place the peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them roast for 25-30 minutes, turning them on all sides until they become golden and the skin cracks.

Roasting the vegetables

3. Roasting the eggplants: Place the eggplants on a tray and roast them in the preheated oven at 200°C for 30-40 minutes, until they are soft and the skin peels away easily. You can roast them alongside the peppers.

4. Cleaning the vegetables: After the vegetables have cooled slightly, peel them. Eggplants peel easily, and for the peppers, pull the skin—this should come off without difficulty.

Filling the jars

5. Preparing the jars: Wash the jars and lids in warm soapy water, then rinse them well. You can sterilize them by boiling in water for 10 minutes or placing them in the oven at 100°C for 15 minutes.

6. Filling the jars: Place the peeled eggplants in the jars, leaving a little room to add the roasted peppers. Interleave large pieces of peppers between the eggplants. Make sure not to overfill the jars to allow for air expansion during the preservation process.

The preservation process

7. Sealing the jars: Place the lids on the jars and ensure they are tightly closed.

8. Boiling the jars: Place the jars in a large pot of water, ensuring the water reaches the level of the lids. Boil them for 30 minutes. This step is essential to ensure the preservation of the vegetables and prevent bacterial growth.

Useful tips

- Vegetables: Choose fresh and healthy vegetables, without spots or imperfections.
- Salting: You can add salt to taste, but keep in mind that you can adjust the salt level later when making the eggplant salad.
- Cooking tricks: If you want a more intense flavor, you can also add a few cloves of garlic to the jars. This will add extra aroma.
- Labels: Don’t forget to label the jars with the date and contents, so you know what you’ve prepared.

Storage and serving

After completing the preservation process, let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Then, store them in a dark, cool place.

When winter comes, you can use these eggplants and roasted peppers to prepare a quick and delicious salad. Simply place the vegetables in a food processor, chop them well, add olive oil, salt, and pepper, and you have a perfect salad for a warm meal or a snack.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen vegetables? It is not recommended, as the taste and texture of fresh vegetables are essential for this recipe.
- How long can I keep the jars? These preserves can be kept for up to a year if stored properly.
- What other recipes can I try? You can combine eggplants with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean salad, or you can use the vegetables as a filling for various baked dishes.

Conclusion

Preparing eggplants with roasted peppers in a jar is not only a way to enjoy the flavors of summer in the midst of winter but also a fulfilling activity that will connect you with the culinary traditions of our ancestors. So, embrace this recipe and enjoy authentic tastes even on the coldest winter days!