Tomato Stew for Winter – A Recipe Full of Color and Flavor
Cooking is not just an activity, but an art that brings us together, nourishes our souls, and enriches our memories. Tomato stew is a traditional recipe, full of aromas and colors, that helps us enjoy the taste of summer even in the colder months. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for preserving, giving you a portion of happiness in every jar.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings (approximately 4 jars of 400 ml)
Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (preferably summer tomatoes for an intense flavor)
- 1 kg white or yellow onions (this will add sweetness and depth)
- 1 kg bell peppers (a mix of red and green peppers can be used for a colorful appearance)
- 100 ml olive oil or vegetable oil (choose a quality oil to enhance the flavor)
- Salt to taste (fine salt is easier to incorporate)
Ingredient details
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that contributes to heart health and cancer protection. Onions provide a significant amount of vitamins C and B and have anti-inflammatory properties. Peppers, especially red ones, are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, essential for a healthy immune system. Together, these ingredients create a perfect synergy of taste and nutritional benefits.
Easy to prepare
1. Wash the vegetables: Start by washing the tomatoes, onions, and peppers well under cold running water. This will remove any impurities and pesticides.
2. Preparing the onions: Peel the onions and grate them using a fine grater. This will help to even out the texture of the stew. In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the grated onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Adding the peppers: Wash and cut the peppers into cubes or strips, if you prefer. Add them to the pot over the onions and sauté for another 5-10 minutes until they become slightly soft.
4. The tomatoes: Here comes the magic! If you are using fresh tomatoes, it is recommended to blanch them (this is the process of dipping them in hot water for 1-2 minutes to make peeling easier). After peeling, cut them into cubes. Add the tomatoes to the pot, mixing everything well.
5. Boiling: Let the stew simmer over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It is important to let it reduce well, so there is no remaining tomato juice. This process can take between 30 and 40 minutes. Taste and add salt to your liking.
6. Preserving: Once the stew has cooked and reached the desired consistency, prepare the jars. Wash them well and sterilize them. Fill the jars with the hot stew, leaving a 1-2 cm space to the lid. Seal the jars tightly.
7. Sterilizing: Place the jars in a preheated oven at 100°C for about 30-40 minutes. This will help preserve the preparation for the long term.
Serving suggestions
This tomato stew can be served as a side dish for various main dishes, such as grilled meats or fish. It can also be used as a base for pasta sauces or as a filling for various pies. For an extra flavor boost, add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano, either at serving or during cooking.
Variations and tips
- Add spices: Experiment with spices! Oregano, basil, thyme, or even a dash of chili pepper can turn this stew into an exotic delight.
- Additional vegetables: Add zucchini or carrots to enrich the texture and flavor of the stew.
- Tomato sauce: If you want a more fluid consistency, you can add a little water or tomato juice during boiling.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but it is important to adjust the amount of salt and avoid adding water.
2. How long can the tomato stew be kept?
If preserved correctly, the tomato stew can last up to a year in the pantry. After opening, keep the jar in the fridge and consume it within 5-7 days.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
Nutritional benefits
Tomato stew is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Each serving contains approximately 120 calories, making it a healthy and filling choice. Consuming tomatoes is associated with better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
A personal note
This tomato stew reminds me of the summers spent with my grandmother, who taught us how to preserve tomatoes for winter. The cooking process was always filled with laughter and stories, and the aroma of sautéed tomatoes gathered us all around the table. I love sharing this recipe with family and friends, knowing that each opened jar brings unforgettable memories.
Enjoy this recipe and turn every jar of tomato stew into a splash of summer, even on the coldest winter days!
Cooking is not just an activity, but an art that brings us together, nourishes our souls, and enriches our memories. Tomato stew is a traditional recipe, full of aromas and colors, that helps us enjoy the taste of summer even in the colder months. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for preserving, giving you a portion of happiness in every jar.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings (approximately 4 jars of 400 ml)
Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (preferably summer tomatoes for an intense flavor)
- 1 kg white or yellow onions (this will add sweetness and depth)
- 1 kg bell peppers (a mix of red and green peppers can be used for a colorful appearance)
- 100 ml olive oil or vegetable oil (choose a quality oil to enhance the flavor)
- Salt to taste (fine salt is easier to incorporate)
Ingredient details
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that contributes to heart health and cancer protection. Onions provide a significant amount of vitamins C and B and have anti-inflammatory properties. Peppers, especially red ones, are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, essential for a healthy immune system. Together, these ingredients create a perfect synergy of taste and nutritional benefits.
Easy to prepare
1. Wash the vegetables: Start by washing the tomatoes, onions, and peppers well under cold running water. This will remove any impurities and pesticides.
2. Preparing the onions: Peel the onions and grate them using a fine grater. This will help to even out the texture of the stew. In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the grated onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Adding the peppers: Wash and cut the peppers into cubes or strips, if you prefer. Add them to the pot over the onions and sauté for another 5-10 minutes until they become slightly soft.
4. The tomatoes: Here comes the magic! If you are using fresh tomatoes, it is recommended to blanch them (this is the process of dipping them in hot water for 1-2 minutes to make peeling easier). After peeling, cut them into cubes. Add the tomatoes to the pot, mixing everything well.
5. Boiling: Let the stew simmer over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It is important to let it reduce well, so there is no remaining tomato juice. This process can take between 30 and 40 minutes. Taste and add salt to your liking.
6. Preserving: Once the stew has cooked and reached the desired consistency, prepare the jars. Wash them well and sterilize them. Fill the jars with the hot stew, leaving a 1-2 cm space to the lid. Seal the jars tightly.
7. Sterilizing: Place the jars in a preheated oven at 100°C for about 30-40 minutes. This will help preserve the preparation for the long term.
Serving suggestions
This tomato stew can be served as a side dish for various main dishes, such as grilled meats or fish. It can also be used as a base for pasta sauces or as a filling for various pies. For an extra flavor boost, add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano, either at serving or during cooking.
Variations and tips
- Add spices: Experiment with spices! Oregano, basil, thyme, or even a dash of chili pepper can turn this stew into an exotic delight.
- Additional vegetables: Add zucchini or carrots to enrich the texture and flavor of the stew.
- Tomato sauce: If you want a more fluid consistency, you can add a little water or tomato juice during boiling.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but it is important to adjust the amount of salt and avoid adding water.
2. How long can the tomato stew be kept?
If preserved correctly, the tomato stew can last up to a year in the pantry. After opening, keep the jar in the fridge and consume it within 5-7 days.
3. Is this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
Nutritional benefits
Tomato stew is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Each serving contains approximately 120 calories, making it a healthy and filling choice. Consuming tomatoes is associated with better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
A personal note
This tomato stew reminds me of the summers spent with my grandmother, who taught us how to preserve tomatoes for winter. The cooking process was always filled with laughter and stories, and the aroma of sautéed tomatoes gathered us all around the table. I love sharing this recipe with family and friends, knowing that each opened jar brings unforgettable memories.
Enjoy this recipe and turn every jar of tomato stew into a splash of summer, even on the coldest winter days!