Homegrown Vegetables

Homemade Vegeta Recipe: A Treasure of Flavor

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Maceration Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 10 jars of 450 g

Welcome to the wonderful world of canning recipes, where tradition intertwines with innovation in an absolutely delicious way! Today, we will explore a special recipe together, a recipe that takes us back in time and entices us with intense and authentic flavors: Homemade Vegeta. This is a vegetable seasoning blend that not only enriches any dish but will also remind you of the tastes of your childhood. Let’s get started!

A Brief Story

This recipe has deep roots, invented by a caring mother who wanted her children to enjoy the freshest and healthiest ingredients. At a time when store-bought preserves were full of additives, this mother found a simple and natural solution. Today, I invite you to rediscover the magic of this recipe, adapting it to your tastes.

Ingredients

- 1 kg carrot (or 1/2 kg of root parsley, depending on your preference)
- 1/4 kg root celery
- 1/4 kg cauliflower
- 1/4 kg cabbage (ideally, created cabbage)
- 1/4 kg kohlrabi
- 5 bell peppers (preferably in different colors for a vibrant look)
- 5 sweet peppers
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- 1 bunch of parsley leaves
- 2 heads of garlic
- 2-3 onions
- 1/2 kg salt
- 10 aspirin tablets (for preservation)

Necessary Utensils

- Meat grinder
- Large mixing bowl
- 450 g jars with lids
- Wooden spoon
- Newspaper (or an opaque cloth)
- Refrigerator for storage

Step by Step: Your Guide to Homemade Vegeta

1. Preparing the Vegetables: Start by peeling and washing all the vegetables. Give them some time to dry so that you don’t add water to the mixture.

2. Chopping the Vegetables: Use the meat grinder to chop all the vegetables. It is important to achieve a uniform texture, which will contribute to better preservation. If you don’t have a meat grinder, you can use a food processor.

3. Mixing in the Salt: After chopping the vegetables, add the salt and mix well with a wooden spoon. The salt will help preserve the vegetables and intensify the flavors.

4. Maceration: Place a lid on the bowl with the mixture and let it macerate at room temperature for 24 hours. It’s important to stir occasionally to ensure all the vegetables are well impregnated with salt.

5. Adding the Aspirin: The next day, add the crushed aspirin and mix again. They will help prevent fermentation and keep the mixture fresh. Let the mixture sit for another 30 minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Packing into Jars: The next step is to distribute the mixture into jars. Make sure to press the mixture well to eliminate air bubbles, which will prevent oxidation.

7. Sealing the Jars: After filling the jars, seal them tightly. Place them in a cool, dark place. If you don’t have a dark place, I recommend covering them with newspaper to protect them from light.

Practical Tips

- Customized Version: You can add vegetables you prefer more or even herbs like dill or basil for a different taste.
- Preservation: Once the jar is opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 weeks.
- Use it in Various Dishes: This homemade vegeta can be used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, or even to season salads.

Nutritional Benefits

This homemade vegeta recipe not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also provides you with a wealth of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Carrots are excellent for eye health, celery offers high water and fiber content, and garlic has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen vegetables?: It is recommended to use fresh vegetables for the best results, but if you don’t have access to them, frozen vegetables can be an alternative.
- What if I don’t have aspirin?: Aspirin is an effective preservative, but you can use apple cider vinegar as an alternative, although the taste will be different.
- How long does it last?: If stored correctly, your homemade vegeta jars can last up to 2 years.

Serving and Combinations

For a savory feast, I recommend serving homemade vegeta with chicken soup or a vegetable stew. You can also accompany these dishes with craft beer or a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Now that you have this homemade vegeta recipe, don’t hesitate to adapt it and add your personal touch. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the authentic taste of vegetables! Bon appétit!