Vegetables for winter

Winter Vegetable Recipe: A Treasure of Flavors in a Jar

Cool days urge us to prepare for winter, and nothing compares to the fresh taste of preserved vegetables. Winter vegetable mix is a classic recipe that transforms seasonal vegetables into an essential ingredient for delicious soups, broths, and stews. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with savory flavors but also bring a smile to your face on chilly winter days when you remember the tastes of summer.

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 1 hour
- Preservation time: 10 minutes per jar
- Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 10 jars of 500 ml

Ingredients:
- 5 kg of bell peppers and sweet peppers of all colors (for a vibrant mix of flavors)
- 2 kg of carrots (for their natural sweetness)
- 1 kg of parsley root (for a deep flavor)
- 1 kg of celery root, including leaves (for an intense aroma)
- Fresh parsley, to taste (for freshness)
- 1 l of oil (for a smooth texture)
- 1 tablespoon of pickling salt (for preservation)
- Preservative (optional but recommended for greater durability)

Steps to Prepare the Vegetable Mix:

1. Preparing the Vegetables:
- Start by washing all the vegetables well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities.
- Clean the bell peppers and sweet peppers, removing the stems and seeds. Cut them into smaller pieces for easier processing.
- Peel the carrots, parsley, and celery. Use a large grater to grate them for a fine texture.

2. Grinding the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped peppers to a food processor or meat grinder, processing until you achieve a fine paste. I advise not to over-process, as a slightly grainy texture will add character.
- Add the grated carrots, parsley, and celery to the same pot. Include the green celery leaves and fresh parsley, which will add extra freshness.

3. Final Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine all the processed vegetables. Sprinkle in the salt and pour in the oil, mixing everything well until the vegetables are evenly coated. This mixture will be the base for your delicious winter soups.

4. Packing the Vegetable Mix:
- Prepare clean, dry plastic or glass jars. Fill each jar with the vegetable mix, leaving a little space at the top.
- Add a packet of preservative on top of each jar, according to the instructions on the package. This will help maintain the freshness of the vegetables throughout winter.

5. Preservation:
- Seal each jar with an airtight lid and store them in a cool, dark place. Your vegetable mix is now ready to bring flavor to every plate!

Serving Suggestions:
The winter vegetable mix is versatile and can be used as a base for delicious soups, aromatic broths, or hearty stews. You can add some chopped fresh lovage to your mix to enhance the flavors, especially in bean or pork soups.

Tips and Useful Advice:
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of high quality. This will significantly influence the final taste of the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add hot peppers to the mix.
- Experiment with various combinations of vegetables based on your preferences. Other vegetables like zucchini or onions can add an interesting taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What type of preservative should I use?
- You can choose a preservative specifically for pickling, which will keep the vegetables fresh throughout winter. Make sure to follow the usage instructions.

2. How can I use the vegetable mix in my recipes?
- The vegetable mix can be added directly to soups or broths, providing a rich taste and pleasant texture. It can also be used as a base for sauces or stir-fried dishes.

3. Is it possible to freeze the vegetable mix?
- Although this recipe is designed for preservation, you can freeze the vegetable mix, ensuring you pack it well in special freezing bags.

Nutritional Benefits:
Your vegetable mix will be full of essential vitamins and minerals due to the variety of vegetables used. For example, bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, and carrots contain beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. This mix is an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and maintains intestinal health.

Calories:
A serving of winter vegetable mix (approximately 100g) contains about 80-100 calories, depending on the oil used. It is a healthy and nutritious option, perfect for adding to your winter meals.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get to work! Transform your seasonal vegetables into this delicious winter vegetable recipe and enjoy the taste of summer every day during the cold season. Cooking is an art, and surely, each jar full of vegetable mix will add a personal and warm touch to your kitchen!