Peppers in sauce

Stuffed Peppers in Sauce – A Summer Delight

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will enrich your meals with vibrant flavors and warm colors, stuffed peppers in sauce are the perfect choice! This recipe will not only delight you with its taste but will also bring back pleasant memories from the summer season when fresh vegetables fill the markets. Peppers are a versatile vegetable, packed with nutrients, and in this recipe, we transform them into a savory side dish or an appetizer that will impress everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars

Ingredients:
- 20 large, meaty peppers
- 400 ml oil (you can use sunflower oil or olive oil, depending on your preference)
- 500 ml water
- 300 ml vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar for a finer flavor)
- 400 g tomato paste (choose a quality paste for a rich taste)
- 200 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your taste)
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves

Preparing the Peppers

1. Preparing the peppers: Wash the peppers under cold running water, ensuring they are clean and free of impurities. Using a sharp knife, remove the stems and cut the peppers into thin strips. This step is essential for the peppers to absorb the delicious sauce we will prepare.

2. Preparing the jars: Choose glass jars that have been thoroughly washed and dried. It is important to ensure that the jars are clean to prevent contamination of the contents.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a large pot, add the oil, water, vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Mix the ingredients well and place the pot over medium heat. Allow the sauce to boil, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. It is important not to let it boil too long to avoid losing the flavors of the ingredients.

4. Filling the jars: When the sauce is ready, pour it hot over the strips of peppers in the jars, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform taste and preserving the peppers.

5. Sealing the jars: After filling the jars, close them tightly with the lids. It is recommended to use new lids to ensure that the jars seal tightly and the contents remain fresh.

6. Cooling the jars: Wrap the jars in blankets or towels to retain heat. Let them cool slowly until the next day. This method helps form a perfect seal, preserving the taste and aroma of the peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed peppers in sauce are extremely versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Offer them as a side dish alongside a juicy steak or add them to a fresh salad for a flavor boost. You can also serve them as an appetizer alongside cheeses and cold cuts. These peppers are a perfect choice for festive meals, as well as for weekend gatherings with friends.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the peppers: Look for peppers that are firm, with smooth skin and no blemishes. Quality peppers will provide better taste and pleasant texture.
- Sauce variations: If you like a spicier sauce, you can add finely chopped hot pepper or chili flakes. You can also experiment with different spices, such as basil or oregano, to customize the sauce's flavor.
- Preservation: Stuffed peppers in sauce can be stored in the pantry for several months, so you can prepare multiple jars at once to enjoy their taste throughout the year.

Nutritional Benefits

Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They contribute to strengthening the immune system and digestive health, making them a great choice for a balanced diet. Additionally, the tomato-based sauce is rich in lycopene, a beneficial compound that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Calories

Each serving of stuffed peppers in sauce (approximately 100 g) contains about 120 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This makes this recipe a light and healthy option for various meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, but the taste will be different. White wine vinegar is recommended for a balanced flavor.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! You can add carrots or onions to enrich the texture and flavor of the sauce.

3. How do I know if the jars are sealed?
After they have cooled, check if the lids are pressed down tightly. If you can press the center of the lid and it pops back up, it is a sign that the jar is not sealed.

Stuffed peppers in sauce are a classic recipe, full of flavor and the nostalgia of summer, that deserves to be savored! So, put on your cooking clothes, gather your ingredients, and turn this simple recipe into an unforgettable culinary delight!