Green Beans in Tomato Sauce for the Coming Winter
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4 jars of 400 g
Winter is approaching, and our thoughts turn to recipes that will bring a touch of summer to our Christmas table. One of the most beloved methods of preserving vegetables is by preparing them in tomato sauce. Today, I invite you to prepare a simple and delicious recipe for green beans in tomato sauce together. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals during the winter months.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh green beans
- 1 l high-quality tomato puree
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Celery leaves
- Salt (optional, to taste)
Practical tip: Choose fresh green beans with a vibrant green color and no blemishes. This will ensure a crunchy texture and pleasant flavor.
Step 1: Preparing the green beans
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any impurities. Then, snap off the ends and cut them into pieces about 5-6 cm long. This size is perfect for ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
Step 2: Boiling the green beans
In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and let them cook for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly crunchy but not soft. This step is essential for preserving the texture and nutrients. Near the end of the boiling time, add the green parsley and celery leaves, which will add extra flavor.
Step 3: Draining and cooling
Once the green beans are almost cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool. This step will stop the cooking process and maintain a vibrant green color. It’s important to let the beans cool completely before packing them into jars.
Step 4: Filling the jars
Prepare the sterilized jars (for better preservation, it is recommended to sterilize them beforehand). Fill each jar with green beans, leaving about 1-2 cm of space at the top. Then, add the tomato puree, making sure to completely cover the beans. If desired, you can also add a small amount of salt to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
In a large pot, place some newspapers at the bottom and fill it with water. Stand the jars upright, taking care not to let them touch each other. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Let the jars boil on low heat for about 40 minutes. This process will ensure the jars are sealed and extend the shelf life of the preparation.
Step 6: Cooling and storing
After the boiling time is up, turn off the heat and let the jars cool completely in the pot. This will help create a vacuum, which is essential for preserving the dish. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Nutritional benefits:
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Additionally, tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Therefore, this recipe is not only delicious but also beneficial for health.
Customized version:
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try adding some spices like oregano or basil to the tomato puree. Additionally, a splash of wine vinegar can add a touch of acidity, enhancing the dish's flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, that’s a great option. Make sure to thaw them before use and boil them according to the instructions.
2. How long can I keep the jars?
If properly sterilized and stored under suitable conditions, the dish can last up to a year.
3. What can I serve with green beans in tomato sauce?
They are delicious alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or as a side dish with meat. They also pair well with a fresh salad.
Serving suggestion:
For a special meal, try serving the green beans with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. This dish can be accompanied by a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the taste of the vegetables.
Preparing this recipe is not just a simple preservation process but also a way to connect with summer memories and fill your pantry with delights to enjoy during the cold months. So, let’s put on our aprons and enjoy this culinary experience together!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4 jars of 400 g
Winter is approaching, and our thoughts turn to recipes that will bring a touch of summer to our Christmas table. One of the most beloved methods of preserving vegetables is by preparing them in tomato sauce. Today, I invite you to prepare a simple and delicious recipe for green beans in tomato sauce together. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals during the winter months.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh green beans
- 1 l high-quality tomato puree
- Fresh parsley leaves
- Celery leaves
- Salt (optional, to taste)
Practical tip: Choose fresh green beans with a vibrant green color and no blemishes. This will ensure a crunchy texture and pleasant flavor.
Step 1: Preparing the green beans
Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any impurities. Then, snap off the ends and cut them into pieces about 5-6 cm long. This size is perfect for ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
Step 2: Boiling the green beans
In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the green beans and let them cook for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly crunchy but not soft. This step is essential for preserving the texture and nutrients. Near the end of the boiling time, add the green parsley and celery leaves, which will add extra flavor.
Step 3: Draining and cooling
Once the green beans are almost cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool. This step will stop the cooking process and maintain a vibrant green color. It’s important to let the beans cool completely before packing them into jars.
Step 4: Filling the jars
Prepare the sterilized jars (for better preservation, it is recommended to sterilize them beforehand). Fill each jar with green beans, leaving about 1-2 cm of space at the top. Then, add the tomato puree, making sure to completely cover the beans. If desired, you can also add a small amount of salt to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
In a large pot, place some newspapers at the bottom and fill it with water. Stand the jars upright, taking care not to let them touch each other. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Let the jars boil on low heat for about 40 minutes. This process will ensure the jars are sealed and extend the shelf life of the preparation.
Step 6: Cooling and storing
After the boiling time is up, turn off the heat and let the jars cool completely in the pot. This will help create a vacuum, which is essential for preserving the dish. Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Nutritional benefits:
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Additionally, tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. Therefore, this recipe is not only delicious but also beneficial for health.
Customized version:
If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, try adding some spices like oregano or basil to the tomato puree. Additionally, a splash of wine vinegar can add a touch of acidity, enhancing the dish's flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, that’s a great option. Make sure to thaw them before use and boil them according to the instructions.
2. How long can I keep the jars?
If properly sterilized and stored under suitable conditions, the dish can last up to a year.
3. What can I serve with green beans in tomato sauce?
They are delicious alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or as a side dish with meat. They also pair well with a fresh salad.
Serving suggestion:
For a special meal, try serving the green beans with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. This dish can be accompanied by a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the taste of the vegetables.
Preparing this recipe is not just a simple preservation process but also a way to connect with summer memories and fill your pantry with delights to enjoy during the cold months. So, let’s put on our aprons and enjoy this culinary experience together!