Bell peppers in a jar

Roasted Bell Peppers in a Jar – A Preserved Delicacy Made with Love

Cook with your heart and add a touch of flavor to your meals with this classic recipe for roasted bell peppers in a jar. This recipe not only provides a fantastic way to preserve sweet peppers but also evokes memories of autumn when the harvest is bursting with colors and extraordinary tastes. Whether you want to enhance a salad, prepare a side dish, or simply enjoy a delicious snack, preserved bell peppers will always be the perfect choice.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6 jars of 500 ml

Ingredients:
- 3 kg bell peppers
- 450 ml vinegar (preferably 6%)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 4 bay leaves
- Salt (optional, to taste)

A Bit of History:
Preserving vegetables is an ancient tradition that dates back to times when people sought ways to store food for the winter. The bell pepper, with its crunchy texture and natural sweetness, is perfect for canning. This dish is not just a way to take advantage of the autumn harvest, but also an opportunity to bring the flavors of summer to winter meals.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Peppers:
Start by washing the bell peppers thoroughly under running water. Then, place them on a baking tray and roast them in the oven at 220°C for about 30 minutes, until the skin turns brown and starts to peel. Turn them halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.

2. Peeling the Peppers:
Once roasted, remove the peppers from the oven and cover them with a damp towel or wrap them in a plastic bag for 15 minutes. This step will help to remove the skin. Once cooled, peel off the skin, seeds, and stems. Cut them into strips or cubes, depending on your preference.

3. Preparing the Marinade:
In a pot, add the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Preserving the Peppers:
In a clean jar, add the peeled peppers. Carefully pour the hot liquid over the peppers in the jar, ensuring they are completely covered. Leave about 1 cm of space at the top of the jar.

5. Sterilization Process:
Fill a large pot with water and place the jars inside. Make sure the water covers the jars up to their necks. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars sterilize for 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent contamination and ensure long-term preservation.

6. Cooling and Storing:
After the sterilization time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water and place them on a clean towel. Cover them with a blanket to cool slowly. This will help create the vacuum necessary for preservation.

Practical Tips:
- Ensure that the jars and lids are completely clean to avoid contamination.
- The variety of bell peppers influences the taste; choose peppers that are meaty and blemish-free.
- If you want a spicy kick, add a few slices of hot pepper to the jar.
- Experiment with other spices, such as black pepper or oregano, to customize the recipe.

Nutritional Values (per serving, 100 g):
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Vitamin C: 70% of the recommended daily intake

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long can the preserves be kept?
Roasted bell peppers in a jar can be stored for 1-2 years in a cool, dark place.

2. Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can use regular sweet peppers, but the taste will be different. Bell peppers offer a sweeter flavor and better texture.

3. How can I serve roasted bell peppers in a jar?
This dish is wonderful as a side for meat, in salads, or as an ingredient in sandwiches. They can also be served as an appetizer alongside cheeses and olives.

Variations:
- Dill Bell Peppers: Add fresh dill leaves to the jars for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garlic Bell Peppers: Toss in a few sliced garlic cloves in the jar for a more intense taste.
- Honey Bell Peppers: Try adding a teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet and sour note.

Now that you’ve gone through this detailed recipe for roasted bell peppers in a jar, you’re on your way to bringing a touch of summer into your winter! Enjoy every bite and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones. Bon appétit!