Bouillon

Tomatoes, these aromatic and vitamin-rich vegetables, are the main ingredient for making a delicious and healthy broth, perfect for adding flavor to winter dishes. The first step in this recipe is to wash the tomatoes well under a stream of cold water, ensuring that we remove any impurities or residues. After cleaning them, we cut them into smaller pieces, making them easier to process. Using a tomato juicer, we turn them into fresh juice, rich in the specific aroma of this vegetable.

Once we have obtained the juice, we put it in a large pot and let it boil over high heat. It is important to ensure that the heat is strong enough to bring the juice to a boiling point. When it starts to boil, we reduce the heat to medium and let the juice gradually reduce. I had 30 liters of tomato juice, and my goal is to obtain a more concentrated broth. Thus, we let the juice boil until it reduces by about a quarter of its initial volume, which contributes to its consistency.

When the juice reaches the desired consistency, we add bulk salt, making sure it is not iodized, to preserve the authentic taste of the broth. The amount of salt can vary depending on individual preferences, so it is advisable to taste along the way and adjust to taste. We also add sugar, which will give the broth a sweeter flavor, an aspect that I personally prefer. We let the broth simmer for a few minutes, so that the salt and sugar dissolve completely.

To ensure optimal preservation, we add a tablespoon of salicylic acid or preservative powder, mixing well to ensure it disperses evenly in the composition. Once we have completed this process, we turn off the heat and prepare to bottle the broth. Using clean and dry bottles, we carefully pour in the hot broth, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. After filling all the bottles, we seal them tightly with caps.

To preserve the aroma and qualities of the broth, we place the bottles in a warm and dry place, covering them with blankets to maintain their temperature. We let them cool slowly until the next day, when the broth is ready to be stored in the pantry. Thus, we have prepared a rich and aromatic tomato broth, perfect for adding a touch of summer to our dishes throughout the winter. This simple and satisfying recipe is an excellent way to preserve the fresh taste of tomatoes, transforming them into a staple ingredient in our kitchen.