Pepper paste

Red Pepper Paste Recipe: A Flavorful Delicacy for Any Dish

Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Number of Servings: 6 jars of 370 ml

Red pepper paste is a versatile condiment that can transform any meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. This simple yet rich recipe will take you on a flavorful journey that blends tradition with innovation. From meat dishes to salads, red pepper paste will add a splash of color and flavor. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!

Necessary Ingredients:
- 4 kg of red peppers (without stems and seeds)
- 3 tablespoons of pickling salt
- 6 jars of 370 ml for preservation

Preparing the Peppers:
1. Selecting the Ingredients: Choose fresh, meaty, and well-ripened red peppers. The vibrant color and sweet aroma of fresh peppers are essential for achieving a high-quality paste. It is important to remove the stems and seeds to avoid bitterness.

2. Chopping the Peppers: You can use a meat grinder or a food processor to chop the peppers. If you choose to use a processor, make sure not to chop them too finely, but rather achieve a slightly textured paste. This texture will add character to your sauce.

3. Cooking: Place the pepper paste in a large pot, add the salt, and mix well. Cook the paste over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial, as slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

4. Filling the Jars: After 2 hours of cooking, your paste should be thick and aromatic. Heat the jars and lids. Fill the jars with the hot paste, leaving a small space at the top. Make sure the jars are well sealed to prevent air from entering.

5. Preserving: Place the jars in a large pot, fill it with water, and boil in a water bath for 30 minutes, starting from the moment the water begins to boil. This process will help sterilize the jars, ensuring that the pepper paste will keep well during storage.

6. Cooling and Storing: After boiling, cover the pot with kitchen towels and let it cool completely. Then, store the jars in a pantry, in a cool and dark place. The red pepper paste can be kept for a long time, bringing summer flavors to your meals throughout the year.

Serving and Using the Pepper Paste:
Red pepper paste can be used in numerous ways. You can add it to pasta sauces, meat or fish dishes, or even on cheese toast. It is also delicious in salads or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Tips and Variations:
- You can experiment with different types of peppers, adding hot peppers for a spicy sauce or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste.
- Add aromatic herbs, such as basil or oregano, to give a personalized touch to your paste.
- If you want a creamier sauce, you can mix the pepper paste with mascarpone cheese or sour cream.

Nutritional Information:
Red pepper paste is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, excellent benefits for the immune system. It is a healthy and tasty choice, perfect for enhancing your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I use red pepper paste?
Red pepper paste is extremely versatile. You can use it as a base for sauces, in meat or vegetable dishes, or as a condiment on toast.

2. How long can it be stored?
Red pepper paste can be stored in the pantry for several months. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator, covered with a thin layer of oil, for up to a month.

3. Is it possible to freeze the pepper paste?
Yes, you can freeze the pepper paste in small portions in an airtight container. This way, you will have a delicious condiment ready to use quickly.

In conclusion, preparing red pepper paste is a satisfying activity that will fill your pantry with delightful flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe, turning each batch into a unique culinary story. Enjoy every bite and relish the fruits of your labor!