Tomatoes with Peppers for Winter - The Perfect Vegetable Preserve
Now that the tomato season has begun to delight us with its rich flavors, it's the perfect time to prepare for winter with a simple yet delicious recipe: tomatoes with peppers! This vibrant combination will not only enrich your winter meals but will also add a touch of freshness to soups, stews, or other dishes. A vegetable preserve recipe is not just an ingenious way to keep the flavor of vegetables, but also a culinary tradition that connects us to our roots.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 ml
Ingredients:
- 10 kg of fresh, juicy tomatoes
- 3 kg of colorful peppers (red, yellow, green)
- 150 g of sugar (adjust according to the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 150 g of salt
- Fresh celery leaves
- 100 ml of oil (preferably olive or sunflower)
Necessary utensils:
- A large pot or cauldron
- A sharp knife
- Glass jars or bottles with lids
- A cloth or blanket to cover the jars
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
To achieve the perfect texture, we start by blanching the tomatoes. Put a pot of water to boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the tomatoes for about 1-2 minutes, or until the skin starts to crack. Then, transfer them immediately to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This method will not only make peeling the tomatoes easier but will also preserve their vibrant taste.
Step 2: Peeling and chopping
After the tomatoes have cooled, remove the skin and cut them into small cubes. This step is essential, as the chopped tomatoes will release their natural juice, which will form the base of the sauce.
Step 3: Preparing the peppers
Clean the peppers from veins and seeds, then cut them into small cubes. Choose peppers of different colors to add a vibrant and attractive look to your preserve. Sweet peppers will perfectly complement the taste of the tomatoes, bringing a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Boiling the mixture
In a large pot or cauldron, add the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer over medium heat. After about an hour, when the tomatoes have started to thicken, add the chopped peppers, salt, and sugar. Mix well to combine the ingredients. If your tomatoes are a bit sour, feel free to add a little more sugar to balance the taste.
Step 5: Adding celery leaves
When the peppers become soft but not mushy, add the finely chopped celery leaves. These will provide a fresh aroma and a boost of nutrients to your preserve. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Bottling and preserving
Once the mixture is ready, pour the hot mixture into cleaned jars, filling them up to 1-2 cm from the top. Pour hot oil over them to ensure a good seal and prevent oxidation. Tighten the lids well and cover the jars with a cloth or blanket to let them cool slowly.
Step 7: Storage
After they have completely cooled, store the jars in a pantry or cellar. Make sure they are kept away from direct light and excessive heat.
Practical tips:
- Choose ingredients carefully: The tomatoes should be ripe, juicy, and blemish-free. The peppers should be crisp and flavorful.
- Pepper varieties: You can experiment with different types of peppers, such as hot peppers for a spicy touch to your preserve.
- Label the jars: Don’t forget to label the jars with the preparation date to always know how long they have been stored.
- Usage recipes: This mixture is perfect for enriching soups, stews, or as a side dish with meat.
Nutritional benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, and are also an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Colorful peppers provide significant amounts of vitamins A and C, while celery adds fiber and a fresh taste.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables in the recipe?
Yes! You can add carrots or zucchini to diversify the taste and texture.
2. How long can the preserves last?
If stored correctly, the preserves can last up to a year.
3. Can I replace the oil with something else?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or even omit the oil completely, but it helps seal the preserve.
4. How can I use the tomatoes with peppers?
This mixture can be used in stews, soups, or as a filling for various dishes.
Personal note:
This recipe has become a ritual for me every autumn. It reminds me of the moments spent with family, when we gather around the table and share the stories of the day. The preserve of tomatoes with peppers is not just a way to keep the vegetables, but also a way to preserve memories. So, I wish you to enjoy every step of this recipe and to turn it into your own family ritual. Cook with love and joy!
Now that the tomato season has begun to delight us with its rich flavors, it's the perfect time to prepare for winter with a simple yet delicious recipe: tomatoes with peppers! This vibrant combination will not only enrich your winter meals but will also add a touch of freshness to soups, stews, or other dishes. A vegetable preserve recipe is not just an ingenious way to keep the flavor of vegetables, but also a culinary tradition that connects us to our roots.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 ml
Ingredients:
- 10 kg of fresh, juicy tomatoes
- 3 kg of colorful peppers (red, yellow, green)
- 150 g of sugar (adjust according to the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 150 g of salt
- Fresh celery leaves
- 100 ml of oil (preferably olive or sunflower)
Necessary utensils:
- A large pot or cauldron
- A sharp knife
- Glass jars or bottles with lids
- A cloth or blanket to cover the jars
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
To achieve the perfect texture, we start by blanching the tomatoes. Put a pot of water to boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the tomatoes for about 1-2 minutes, or until the skin starts to crack. Then, transfer them immediately to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. This method will not only make peeling the tomatoes easier but will also preserve their vibrant taste.
Step 2: Peeling and chopping
After the tomatoes have cooled, remove the skin and cut them into small cubes. This step is essential, as the chopped tomatoes will release their natural juice, which will form the base of the sauce.
Step 3: Preparing the peppers
Clean the peppers from veins and seeds, then cut them into small cubes. Choose peppers of different colors to add a vibrant and attractive look to your preserve. Sweet peppers will perfectly complement the taste of the tomatoes, bringing a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Boiling the mixture
In a large pot or cauldron, add the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer over medium heat. After about an hour, when the tomatoes have started to thicken, add the chopped peppers, salt, and sugar. Mix well to combine the ingredients. If your tomatoes are a bit sour, feel free to add a little more sugar to balance the taste.
Step 5: Adding celery leaves
When the peppers become soft but not mushy, add the finely chopped celery leaves. These will provide a fresh aroma and a boost of nutrients to your preserve. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Bottling and preserving
Once the mixture is ready, pour the hot mixture into cleaned jars, filling them up to 1-2 cm from the top. Pour hot oil over them to ensure a good seal and prevent oxidation. Tighten the lids well and cover the jars with a cloth or blanket to let them cool slowly.
Step 7: Storage
After they have completely cooled, store the jars in a pantry or cellar. Make sure they are kept away from direct light and excessive heat.
Practical tips:
- Choose ingredients carefully: The tomatoes should be ripe, juicy, and blemish-free. The peppers should be crisp and flavorful.
- Pepper varieties: You can experiment with different types of peppers, such as hot peppers for a spicy touch to your preserve.
- Label the jars: Don’t forget to label the jars with the preparation date to always know how long they have been stored.
- Usage recipes: This mixture is perfect for enriching soups, stews, or as a side dish with meat.
Nutritional benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, and are also an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Colorful peppers provide significant amounts of vitamins A and C, while celery adds fiber and a fresh taste.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables in the recipe?
Yes! You can add carrots or zucchini to diversify the taste and texture.
2. How long can the preserves last?
If stored correctly, the preserves can last up to a year.
3. Can I replace the oil with something else?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or even omit the oil completely, but it helps seal the preserve.
4. How can I use the tomatoes with peppers?
This mixture can be used in stews, soups, or as a filling for various dishes.
Personal note:
This recipe has become a ritual for me every autumn. It reminds me of the moments spent with family, when we gather around the table and share the stories of the day. The preserve of tomatoes with peppers is not just a way to keep the vegetables, but also a way to preserve memories. So, I wish you to enjoy every step of this recipe and to turn it into your own family ritual. Cook with love and joy!