Tomato juice

Fresh Homemade Tomato Juice

Are you dreaming of a delicious tomato juice made right in the comfort of your home? Here, I will present you with a simple and engaging recipe that will turn your tomatoes into bottles filled with flavor, perfect for any dish or even enjoyed on their own. Tomato juice is a versatile ingredient, packed with nutrients and an excellent choice for your health, providing you with a daily dose of essential vitamins.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-60 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes - 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: approximately 6-8 bottles of 500 ml

Ingredients

- 2 kg of ripe, meaty tomatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, for a sweeter taste)
- Fresh celery leaves (3-4 leaves)

Required Equipment

- Food processor or blender
- Tomato juicer (or a fine sieve)
- Large pot
- Sterilized glass bottles
- Blanket to cover the bottles

The History of Tomato Juice

Tomato juice has a fascinating history, appreciated not only for its delicious taste but also for its nutritional benefits. Over time, this preparation has transformed from a simple ingredient into the base of many recipes, from soups to sauces. Every winter, homemakers have made tomato juice a staple in their pantry, ensuring they have the taste of summer even on the coldest days.

Making Tomato Juice

1. Wash and prepare the tomatoes
Start by thoroughly washing the tomatoes under cold running water. Make sure they are ripe and blemish-free. Then, cut them into large pieces to facilitate the crushing process.

2. Crushing the tomatoes
Use a food processor or blender to crush the tomatoes. Once crushed, transfer the resulting puree to the tomato juicer. This step is crucial, as we want to separate the seeds and skin from the delicious juice.

3. Cooking the juice
Place the obtained juice in a large pot and bring it to a boil. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it starts boiling, add the salt and sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. If you have very sweet and meaty tomatoes, you may not need to add sugar.

4. Flavoring
Add the celery leaves to give the juice a fresh aroma and a hint of complexity. Continue to simmer the juice until it thickens, reducing by half. This process can take between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on how thick you want your juice.

5. Bottling
Once the juice has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and fill the sterilized bottles with the hot juice. Cover them immediately with a blanket to cool gradually. This preservation technique will help maintain the flavors and nutrients.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Tomato juice can be enjoyed on its own or used in various recipes. You can add it to soups, pasta sauces, or even cocktails like the famous Bloody Mary. It’s ideal to serve it alongside a slice of toasted bread drizzled with olive oil and garlic for a quick and delicious snack.

Nutritional Benefits

A glass of tomato juice a day can provide you with a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, essential for the immune system and skin health. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and protect the body against free radicals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
While it is possible, fresh tomatoes provide a much more vibrant taste and superior texture. Preserving fresh tomatoes in season is an excellent choice.

2. What can I do with leftover tomato juice?
If you’ve made more juice than you need, feel free to use it in various soup or sauce recipes, or even freeze it for future use.

3. How can I adjust the consistency of the juice?
If you want a thinner juice, cook it for a shorter period. If you prefer a thicker juice, leave it on the heat longer.

Possible Variations

Experiment with other ingredients to give your juice a unique twist. You can add garlic, onion, or even herbs like basil or oregano. These will transform the juice into a perfect ingredient for pasta sauces or meat marinades.

Personal Note

For an extra burst of flavor, I recommend keeping some sun-dried or oil-packed tomatoes to add to your juice. They will bring an intense aroma and unique character, making your juice an unforgettable specialty. Plus, each bottle you prepare becomes a memory of summer, perfect for chilly days.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Step into the kitchen and embark on your culinary adventure with this simple tomato juice recipe. Your pantry will be filled with goodness, and you’ll enjoy the flavors of summer even on the coldest winter days!