Root vegetables for soup in a jar

Sour soup is one of the most beloved dishes in our cuisine, a true symbol of comfort and family meals. Today, I will present you with a simple and effective recipe for preparing a delicious mix of root vegetables in a jar, perfect for enriching your soups throughout the winter. This mix is not only tasty but also very practical, being an excellent solution for preserving the flavors of fresh vegetables even after their season has passed.

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

Ingredients:
- 2 kg yellow peppers
- 2 kg tomatoes
- 1 kg carrots
- 2 celery (root)
- 1 kg parsley (root and leaves)
- 4 beets
- 4 bunches of dill
- Pickling salt (approximately 0.5 kg)

Preparing this root vegetable mix is a pleasant activity that will fill you with satisfaction, knowing that you will be able to enjoy delicious soups during the winter without worrying about stocking fresh vegetables.

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cleaning the yellow peppers of stems and seeds, then chop them into cubes. Yellow peppers add a pleasant sweetness to the mix, and their vibrant color will beautify your soups.

2. The roots:
Clean the carrots, parsley, and celery, then grate them. Carrots will provide a sweet aroma, while celery will add a distinctive note. Make sure to grate everything on the large grater to achieve a uniform texture.

3. Beets:
Clean the red beets, wash them well, and grate them. Beets will not only color the mix but also add a rich and slightly sweet taste.

4. Tomatoes:
Wash the tomatoes and grate them. Tomatoes bring a pleasant acidity that will balance the sweetness of the other vegetables.

5. Dill and parsley:
Wash the dill and parsley well, then chop them finely. These herbs will provide an unmistakable fragrance to your dish.

6. The mix:
In a large bowl, mix all the grated ingredients, add salt (approximately 0.5 kg), and homogenize well. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours for the flavors to blend perfectly.

7. Jar filling:
After 2 hours, fill the jars with the vegetable mix. Make sure to fill them well, leaving a little space at the top of the jar. Cover the jars with lids and seal them tightly.

8. Baking:
Place the jars in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let them boil for 20 minutes from the moment they start boiling. This step is essential to ensure proper sterilization and to prevent bacterial growth.

9. Cooling:
After the baking time has expired, turn off the oven and let the jars cool inside. This will help create a vacuum, thus ensuring better preservation.

10. Storage:
Once the jars have completely cooled, store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. These root vegetables in a jar can be used throughout the winter, adding them to soups, stews, or other dishes.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh. Quality vegetables will make a difference in the final taste of the dish.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or leeks, to create a personalized mix.
- If you like strong flavors, you can add a few peppercorns or bay leaves to each jar.

Stories and variations:
This jarred root vegetable recipe is a tradition in many households, where housewives preserve their vegetables for winter. Each family has its own variations, often passed down from generation to generation. I recall that, in my childhood, my grandmother always used a bit of chopped garlic in the mix, which gave the dish a truly special flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This root vegetable mix is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with a low caloric intake, making it ideal for a healthy diet. Peppers and tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C, while beets are known for their detoxifying properties. Carrots and celery provide fiber that aids digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? I recommend using fresh vegetables for optimal taste, but you can experiment with frozen vegetables if you don't have access to fresh ones.
- How long can I keep the jars? If stored correctly, jars of root vegetables can last up to a year.
- What kind of soups can I make with these root vegetables? You can use the mix to enrich vegetable soups, meat soups, or even fish soups.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I wish you good luck! Surely, your dish will bring a touch of joy and flavor to your winter meals. Enjoy every moment of cooking and savor the delicious results!