Roasted Peppers in a Jar

Roasted Peppers in a Jar – A Simple and Delicious Recipe for Your Winter

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of roasted peppers? This recipe will not only bring the taste of summer to your winter table, but it is also an excellent way to preserve these delicious peppers without adding vinegar or other ingredients. Whether you use them in salads, as a side dish for various meals, or simply on a slice of toasted bread, jarred roasted peppers become a versatile and healthy ingredient in any kitchen.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Cooling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4 jars of 400 g each

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of bell peppers or sweet peppers
- Salt (to taste)

Nutritional benefits:
Peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, making them an excellent source of antioxidants. Eating peppers helps strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health. They are also low in calories, making them a perfect choice for a balanced diet.

Recipe history:
Vegetable preservation is an ancient practice used over time to ensure a source of nutrients during winter. Roasted peppers, in particular, have become a staple ingredient in many cultures due to their sweet taste and pleasant texture. This simple recipe reminds us of the times when every household preserved its harvest, and today, we can bring that tradition into our own kitchens.

Step by step in the preservation process:

1. Roasting the peppers:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Wash the peppers and place them in a baking tray, making sure to leave enough space for even roasting.
- Roast the peppers for about 30-40 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning. The peppers are done when the skin becomes charred and puffs up.

2. Peeling the peppers:
- After taking them out of the oven, transfer the peppers to a plastic bag or a covered bowl to allow steam to accumulate. This step helps in easier peeling of the skins.
- Let them sit for 10-15 minutes, then peel off the skin, removing the seeds as well.

3. Draining the peppers:
- Place the peeled peppers in a strainer and let them drain for 1-2 hours. This step is essential to prevent mold formation in jars, as excess water can compromise the quality of the preserves.

4. Preparing the jars:
- Sterilize the jars and lids. You can do this by placing them in a pot with cold water, ensuring that the water reaches about 2/3 of the jars' height. Boil them for an hour over medium heat.

5. Filling the jars:
- Pack the peppers into the jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Sprinkle salt between the layers of peppers, to taste. This step will help preserve the flavors and add a pleasant taste.

6. Final sterilization:
- Place the lids on the jars and make sure they are tightly sealed. Put the jars back in the pot for sterilization. Boil over medium heat for 1 hour.
- Once the boiling time is over, let the jars cool in the water. This step will facilitate the sealing of the jars.

7. Storage:
- After the jars have completely cooled, label them with the date and contents. Store them in a dry, dark place away from sunlight. Jarred roasted peppers can be kept for up to a year.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of peppers, such as sweet or spicy ones, to achieve a variety of flavors.
- Add herbs like basil or thyme between the layers of peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you prefer a quicker preservation method, you can use them directly in dishes like salads or pasta after being jarred.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen peppers for this recipe?
- It is recommended to use fresh peppers for the best results, but if you have frozen peppers, you can use them, keeping in mind that the texture will be different.

2. What can I do if the jars did not seal properly?
- If you notice that the jars did not seal, you can use them immediately in dishes or reheat and sterilize them again.

3. How can I incorporate roasted peppers into my menu?
- Roasted peppers are delicious in salads, on pizzas, in sandwiches, or served as a side dish with grilled meats. You can also use them in purees or sauces.

Complementary recipes:
- Salad with feta cheese and roasted peppers – a delicious and nutritious combination.
- Pasta with tomato sauce and roasted peppers – a quick and hearty meal.
- Toasts with roasted peppers and ricotta – a refined appetizer perfect for parties.

With this simple recipe for jarred roasted peppers, you can bring summer to your plate even on the coldest winter days. Enjoy the natural flavor of peppers and delight in delicious meals throughout the year!