Peppers in sauce

Peppers in sauce: The delight that brings joy to the table

Peppers in sauce are an excellent choice, whether you use them as a side dish or enjoy them on a slice of fresh bread. This simple and delicious recipe will win over the whole family and is a perfect way to preserve the taste of summer for winter. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 800 ml (or equivalent)

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 kg peppers
- 2 tablespoons and 1/2 of mustard
- 350 ml vinegar (preferably white wine)
- 450 ml oil
- 400 g sugar
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- Salt for pickling (about 2 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
- 450 g Olympia tomato paste (or high-quality tomato paste)

The history of peppers in sauce is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary tradition. This dish is an excellent way to preserve vegetables for long-term consumption. Peppers, with their sweet aroma and crunchy texture, are transformed through a slow cooking process, dressed in a rich and flavorful sauce.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the peppers well. Remove the stem and seeds, then cut them into slices about one finger thick. This thickness will ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture.

2. Preparing the sauce: In a large pot with a double bottom, add all the ingredients except the peppers. These are: mustard, vinegar, oil, sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Place the pot over medium heat and stir gently to help the sugar dissolve.

3. Boiling the sauce: When the mixture comes to a boil, add the sliced peppers. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the peppers from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Final cooking: After 25 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes. The sauce should become thicker, and the peppers should soften slightly. At this stage, you can taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preferences. You can add more salt or pepper, depending on your taste.

5. Bottling: When the sauce has reached the desired consistency, take clean, sterilized jars and fill them with the hot mixture using a ladle. Make sure the jars are filled almost completely and leave a little space at the top for expansion. Place the lids on and screw them on tightly.

6. Sterilizing: Place the jars in a preheated oven at 160°C and let them sterilize for 15 minutes. This step is essential to ensure the preservation of the preparation. After the time has expired, turn off the oven and let the jars cool slowly inside.

7. Serving: Once cooled, the peppers in sauce can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, or you can try their combination with goat cheese on a slice of toasted bread. This combination will create a pleasant contrast between the sweetness of the peppers and the saltiness of the cheese.

Practical tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add some herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to the sauce.
- If you like spicier sauces, add a little chopped chili pepper.
- Make sure to use high-quality glass jars, free of cracks, to prevent breakage during sterilization.

Nutritional benefits:
Peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. This dish can add nutritional value to your meals, being a source of healthy preserved vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of oil? - Yes, you can use olive oil or another vegetable oil, but the taste will vary.
- How long can I keep the peppers in sauce? - If properly preserved, they can be kept for a year in a cool, dark place.
- What other vegetables can I use in the sauce? - You can add carrots or onions to diversify the flavor.

Peppers in sauce are a traditional recipe that combines sweet and sour flavors, perfect for bringing a touch of summer to your winter meals. This recipe will not only bring you the satisfaction of a delicious meal but also the joy of sharing with loved ones a dish made with love. Try it and let your imagination soar in the kitchen!