Pepper paste, celery, and hot pepper

Pepper paste with celery and hot peppers - A spicy delicacy for lovers of intense flavors

If you are looking for a delicious paste recipe that brings a touch of warmth to every meal, you have come to the right place! This pepper paste with celery and hot peppers is perfect for those who love slightly spicy dishes. It is a simple and versatile recipe, ideal for accompanying various dishes or even enjoyed on its own.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 10 jars of 400 gr each

A bit of history

Pepper paste is a traditional recipe, often prepared in the fall when vegetables are at their peak. This dish was originally created to preserve fresh vegetables, thus extending their shelf life and providing a rich taste on colder days. The combination of sweet peppers with hot peppers and celery brings a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds.

Ingredients

- 30 peppers (approximately 2 kg)
- 5 red hot peppers (adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 medium celery (approximately 300-400 gr)
- 500 ml tomato juice (preferably homemade)
- 100 gr sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 bay leaves

Preparing the ingredients

1. Cleaning the vegetables: Start by washing the peppers, celery, and hot peppers well. Cut the tops off the peppers and hot peppers, removing the seeds. Peel the celery, then cut it into small pieces.

2. Chopping: Use a food processor to chop the peppers, celery, and hot peppers. Make sure to achieve a homogeneous mixture, but not extremely fine, to retain some of the texture of the vegetables.

Cooking the paste

3. Heating the mixture: In a large pot, add the three chopped ingredients: peppers, celery, and hot peppers. Place the pot over low heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Adding the spices: After about 10-15 minutes, when the vegetables have started to release their juice, add the sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. These spices will enhance the flavor of the paste.

5. Incorporating the tomato juice: After the mixture has boiled for a few minutes, add the tomato juice. Stir well to combine the flavors.

6. Boiling: Let everything boil, stirring occasionally. The paste is ready when it has reduced to half its volume and has become denser. This process takes about 30-40 minutes, so be patient!

Preserving the paste

7. Preparing the jars: While the paste is boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them well and dry them. A good idea is to heat them in the microwave to sterilize.

8. Filling the jars: When the paste is ready, pour it hot into the prepared jars, leaving a small space at the top. Seal them well with lids and ensure they are airtight.

9. Cooling: Cover the jars with 2-3 thick towels to cool slowly. This step helps create a perfect vacuum.

Useful tips

- Adjusting the spiciness: If you prefer a less spicy paste, you can reduce the amount of hot peppers or even use bell peppers.
- Using the paste: This paste pairs wonderfully with meats, salads, or even as a filling for sandwiches. You can also enjoy it with a slice of fresh bread, alongside goat cheese or feta.

Nutritional benefits

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used. Peppers are rich in vitamin C, while celery provides fiber and antioxidants. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, which can help improve metabolism.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does the paste last?
Pepper paste can be stored in the pantry or cellar for up to a year, as long as the jars are well sealed.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to create a customized paste.

3. How can I make the paste spicier?
Add more hot peppers or even chili flakes during cooking for a more intense flavor.

Possible variations

- Herb paste: You can add oregano or basil for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Pepper paste with cheese: After the paste has cooled, you can mix in feta or ricotta cheese to create a creamy paste, perfect for a spread.

In conclusion, this recipe for pepper paste with celery and hot peppers is not only easy to prepare but also extremely versatile. Whether you use it as a side dish, filling, or simply as a snack, it will surely become a favorite in your home. Try it and enjoy the flavors!