Peppers for winter
Recipe: Preserved Peppers for Winter
If you are a cooking enthusiast and want to fill your pantry with summer flavors for winter, today's recipe is exactly what you were looking for! Preserving bell peppers is a simple and effective way to enjoy the fresh taste of vegetables, even on the coldest days of the year. This recipe will not only help you save money but will also provide you with the ideal ingredient for various dishes, from delicious stews to flavorful sauces.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 3 bags
Necessary ingredients:
- 8 large bell peppers
Recipe history:
Preserving vegetables is an ancient practice used by generations to ensure a constant source of nutrients during winter. The bell pepper, with its sweet flavor and crunchy texture, has always been a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures. With the help of freezing, we can preserve not only the taste but also all the essential vitamins and minerals they contain.
Useful tips for ingredients:
- Choosing the peppers: Opt for large bell peppers with vibrant color and no spots or defects. Less ripe peppers may have a sour taste, so choose those that are well-ripened and sweet.
- Cleaning the peppers: Make sure to wash them well under running water to remove any impurities or pesticides. You can use a special vegetable brush if necessary.
- Freezing: Use quality freezer bags that can withstand low temperatures and prevent air from entering to avoid freezing into ice crystals.
Preparation technique:
1. Washing the peppers: Start by washing the peppers well under running water. Make sure to remove any impurities and labels.
2. Drying: Let the peppers drain for a few minutes on a clean towel or kitchen rack. It is important that they are dry to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
3. Cutting: Cut each pepper in half, remove the seeds and stem, then cut each half into the desired slices (4-5 slices per pepper, depending on the desired size).
4. Packing: Place the pepper slices in freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label each bag with the freezing date.
5. Freezing: Lay the bags flat in the freezer to save space.
Possible variations:
If you want to personalize your recipe, you can add other vegetables for freezing, such as:
- Onion: Add a few slices of onion to enhance the flavor.
- Carrots: Cut carrots into rounds or cubes for added texture and color.
Frequently asked questions:
- How long can I keep the peppers in the freezer?
Peppers can be kept in the freezer for up to 12 months. However, to enjoy the best quality, it is recommended to consume them within the first 6 months of freezing.
- Can I use frozen peppers directly in cooking?
Yes, frozen peppers can be added directly to dishes without thawing. They will cook quickly in soups, stews, or sauces.
Nutritional benefits:
Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. Regular consumption of peppers contributes to strengthening the immune system, maintaining skin health, and vision. They are also low in calories, with about 31 calories per 100 g, making them an ideal ingredient for healthy diets.
Serving suggestions:
Frozen bell peppers are perfect for use in:
- Soups and broths: Add them to vegetable soups for an extra flavor.
- Stews: Use them to enhance meat or vegetable stews.
- Sauces: You can prepare sauces for pasta or pizza, adding peppers for an intense flavor.
I conclude this recipe with a personal thought: keeping fresh vegetables for winter is not only a way to save money but also a way to connect with the summer season. The thought that you can prepare a delicious stew from the peppers you carefully preserved will bring a smile to your face on chilly days. So, get to work and enjoy the fruits of your labor – a winter full of flavors!
Ingredients: 8 large bell peppers
Tags: pepper