Homemade broth

Homemade Tomato Juice

Nothing compares to the aroma and taste of fresh ingredients, picked straight from the garden. Making homemade tomato juice is a wonderful way to preserve the essence of summer for the cold season. This simple and nostalgic recipe will quickly become a favorite, bringing a touch of warmth to every meal. Let’s begin this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 bottles of juice

Ingredients:
- 3 kg fresh garden tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt (preferably sea salt or Himalayan salt)
- 1 celery leaf (fresh, for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred oil)

Necessary utensils:
- Fruit juicer or tomato machine
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Bottles (preparation for preservation)
- Cap or caps for bottles

Nutritional information:
Tomato juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants. It can be a healthy choice in weight loss diets, especially if prepared without sugar.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Start by washing the tomatoes well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Cut each tomato into quarters or halves, depending on their size, to facilitate the juice extraction process.

2. Juice extraction:
Use the fruit juicer or tomato machine to obtain the juice. If you choose the fruit juicer, keep in mind that the juice will be thinner, but still delicious. If you want a thicker juice, the tomato machine is the perfect choice, offering a richer texture.

3. Cooking the juice:
In a large pot, add the olive oil and the obtained tomato juice. Add the salt and the celery leaf. If you opted for sugar, add it now. This will help reduce the acidity of the tomatoes. Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture boil. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.

4. Reducing the juice:
Let the juice boil for about an hour or until it significantly reduces and thickens in texture. Watch as the foam disappears from the surface, a sign that the juice is on the right track.

5. Finalizing and preserving:
Once the juice has reached the desired consistency, remove the celery leaf. Pour the hot juice into the prepared bottles. If you want to preserve the juice for winter, make sure the bottles are well sterilized. You can sterilize the bottles by washing them in hot water or by a brief exposure in the oven.

6. Maintaining the juice:
After filling the bottles, cap them tightly and place them between blankets to cool gradually for 2-3 days. This step helps create a vacuum, essential for better preservation.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can replace the celery leaf with a few fresh basil or oregano leaves for a flavored juice.
- Instead of sugar, you can use a teaspoon of honey for a more natural taste.
- Always check the consistency of the juice during boiling. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer; if it’s too thick, you can add a little water.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
- It is recommended to use fresh tomatoes for an authentic taste, but you can adapt the recipe with quality canned tomatoes.

2. How can I use homemade juice?
- Tomato juice is perfect for soups, sauces, pasta, or even as a base for various dishes. It can also be used in curry recipes to add a note of acidity.

3. How can I keep the juice longer?
- If you follow the sterilization steps correctly, the juice can be kept for up to a year in a dark, cool place. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and consume it within 5-7 days.

Serving suggestions:
To enjoy homemade juice, you can serve it warm, alongside a slice of garlic toast. A delicious combination is the juice with a cold plum brandy, a perfect duo for a summer evening.

I conclude this recipe with a personal thought: making homemade tomato juice is a satisfying activity that not only provides you with a versatile ingredient but also beautiful memories related to gardening, family, and festive meals. Savor every drop and enjoy the taste of summer even on cold winter days!