Peppers and eggplants for winter

Recipe for Peppers and Eggplants for Winter

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings (each bag contains 300 g of peppers and 800 g of eggplants)

Every year, with the arrival of autumn, kitchens turn into true canning laboratories, and peppers and eggplants play a central role in this story. If you want to enjoy the fresh taste of vegetables even in the cold winter months, this recipe is perfect for you. Preparing peppers and eggplants for freezing will not only provide you with delicious ingredients for future meals but also bring a touch of warmth and comfort on chilly days.

Your basic ingredients:

- 5 kg of colorful bell peppers (you can choose between red, yellow, and green to add color and flavor)
- 20 kg of eggplants (choose fresh eggplants without spots or soft areas)

Preparing the eggplants:

1. Roasting the eggplants: Start by preparing the eggplants. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the whole eggplants on the grill and let them roast for about 20-30 minutes, turning them occasionally for even cooking. You will know they are ready when the skin browns and the flesh becomes soft.

2. Peeling: Once the eggplants are roasted, remove them from the grill and let them cool for 10 minutes. Then, using a knife, remove the skin. It is important to let them drain for about 3 hours to eliminate excess water. You can use a sieve or a clean towel to help them drain well.

3. Portioning: After the eggplants have drained, cut them into suitable pieces and place them in freezer bags of about 800 g each. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Preparing the peppers:

1. Cleaning the peppers: Wash the peppers well under a stream of cold water. Remove the stems and seeds, then cut them in half. This step will make the chopping process easier.

2. Chopping: Use a meat grinder or a food processor to chop the peppers. You can opt for a finer or coarser texture, depending on your preferences.

3. Packing: Place the chopped peppers in small freezer bags. Each bag should contain about 300 g of pepper mix. As with the eggplants, remove the air from the bags before sealing them.

Useful tips:

- Choose fresh vegetables: Make sure both the peppers and eggplants are fresh and of high quality. This will influence the taste and texture of your dish during winter.
- Variety of colors: Use peppers of different colors to add not only a pleasant appearance but also diverse flavors.
- Freezing: Ensure your freezer is set to -18 degrees Celsius or lower to maintain the quality of the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or onion, to diversify the mix.

2. How can I use frozen peppers and eggplants?
These vegetables can be used in soups, stews, salads, or as a side dish. They are also excellent in baked dishes or on the grill.

3. How long can I keep frozen vegetables?
Peppers and eggplants can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months, but for the best quality, it is recommended to consume them within 6 months.

Nutritional benefits:

Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while eggplants are rich in vitamins B and K, as well as antioxidants that help maintain heart health. Together, these vegetables make a healthy and nutritious choice that is essential in a balanced diet.

Serving suggestions:

For a delicious lunch, you can combine peppers and eggplants with whole grain pasta and a simple tomato sauce. Add a touch of originality by topping with feta cheese or grated parmesan.

Possible variations:

If you want to add a touch of exoticism, you can add spices like cumin or sweet paprika to the vegetable mix before freezing. This will add a delightful flavor to your winter dishes.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get started and enjoy the fruits of your labor all winter long! Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to create beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!