Ketchup with bell peppers and chili peppers

Pepper and Bell Pepper Ketchup – A Winter Delight

If you are looking for a delicious and versatile condiment to enhance your winter dishes, bell pepper and chili ketchup is the perfect solution! This recipe will not only add a touch of flavor to stews, soups, or fasting dishes, but it will also bring back pleasant memories from childhood, when grandmothers prepared delicious recipes to preserve the taste of summer.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400 ml

Ingredients:

- 25 large, healthy bell peppers
- 25 red peppers
- 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for a spicy taste)
- 2 large celery roots
- 2 liters of tomato puree
- 200 ml vinegar
- 200 g sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons coarse salt (for pickling)
- 5-6 bay leaves
- 10-15 peppercorns
- 1 aspirin tablet (or preservative, as preferred)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Vegetables: Start by cleaning and washing the bell peppers, red peppers, celery, and hot peppers well. Make sure all the vegetables are fresh, as the quality of the ingredients will influence the final taste of the ketchup.

2. Chopping the Vegetables: Use a meat grinder or food processor to chop all the vegetables. Ensure you achieve a uniform consistency, but not too fine, to keep the pleasant texture of the ketchup.

3. Boiling the Mixture: Place the vegetable mixture into a large pot and add the tomato puree. Set the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Adding Aromatic Ingredients: When the mixture is nearly boiled, add the sugar, vinegar, salt, bay leaves, and peppercorns. These ingredients will give your ketchup a unique taste, making it irresistible.

5. Preserving: If you want to keep it longer, you can add an aspirin tablet or a preservative according to the instructions on the package. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly integrated.

6. Bottling: When the ketchup is ready, pour it hot into dry, sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are tightly closed and placed in a cool, dark place. You can store them upright to prevent air from entering.

7. Canning: Place the jars in the oven on a dry canning setting until the next day. This step will help preserve the ketchup and enhance its flavor.

Useful Tips:

- Choosing Ingredients: It is important to use quality, fresh, and healthy vegetables. Choose bell peppers and red peppers that are firm and have a vibrant texture to obtain a tasty ketchup.
- Adjusting the Taste: If you like sweeter ketchup, you can add more sugar. Also, if you prefer a tangier note, feel free to increase the amount of vinegar.
- Variations: You can experiment with other herbs or spices, such as thyme or basil, to give your recipe a personal twist.

Nutritional Benefits:

This ketchup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Bell peppers and red peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, contributing to a healthy immune system. Additionally, celery adds fiber, essential for healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use other vegetables?: Yes, you can add carrots or zucchini to diversify the recipe.
- How can I tell if the ketchup is well preserved?: Check if the jar lids are tightly closed and have not bulged. If you notice any color or smell changes, it is best not to consume it.
- What dishes can it be paired with?: Bell pepper and chili ketchup is perfect for accompanying meats, stews, or even fish. It also pairs excellently with a serving of fries or as a sauce for sandwiches.

Now that you know how to prepare a delicious bell pepper and chili ketchup, all that’s left is to get started! It is a simple recipe, but with a taste that will delight all family members. Once you try it, I am sure it will become part of your winter culinary tradition. Enjoy and don't forget to share the result with your loved ones!