Broth without preservatives

Recipe for Homemade Tomato Puree Without Preservatives

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour (or longer for a thicker consistency)
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 bottles (depending on size)

In a busy world full of processed products, homemade tomato puree remains a culinary gem. Whether you use it to enhance sauces, soups, or even main dishes, preservative-free tomato puree is a healthy and tasty choice. I invite you to discover with me how to transform seasonal tomatoes into this essential ingredient for your pantry.

Ingredients:

- 20 kg ripe tomatoes (ripe tomatoes provide a sweeter taste and intense aroma)
- 500 g sugar (helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 100 g salt (for preservation and flavor)
- A few celery leaves (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 packet of Pikant Fix (sweet or spicy, optional, for a touch of heat)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Bottles: Start by thoroughly washing the bottles you will use to store the puree. Make sure to rinse them well and place them upside down to drain. It is essential that the bottles are perfectly clean to prevent spoilage of the puree.

2. Preparing the Tomatoes: Choose well-ripened tomatoes, free from blemishes or damaged areas. Wash them with cold water and cut them into large pieces, removing the stems and unsuitable parts. Use a tomato machine to puree them, and for a finer puree, you can repeat this process.

3. Boiling: Pour the obtained puree into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Add sugar and salt to taste. If you desire a special note, add a packet of Pikant Fix for a spicy aroma.

4. Flavoring with Celery: Add a few celery leaves to the boiling puree. This step will provide a vibrant taste and fresh aroma. Simmer the puree on low heat for one hour or more, depending on the desired consistency. The longer you boil, the thicker and more concentrated it will become.

5. Sterilizing the Bottles: Prepare a deep tray or pot in which you will place the filled bottles with puree. Fill the tray with water and place it on the stove over low heat. When the water begins to boil, it is time to pour the boiling puree into the bottles using a funnel and ladle. Fill the bottles as much as possible, leaving very little air space.

6. Sealing the Bottles: Put the caps on the bottles and tighten them well, using a kitchen towel to avoid burns. Place the bottles in the tray with hot water and leave them there for sterilization.

7. Cooling: After sterilization, remove the bottles from the water and place them in a covered area, allowing them to cool completely. Covering is crucial to maintain a constant temperature and ensure proper sealing.

8. Storage: Once the bottles have cooled completely, you can store them in your pantry. Use bottles of different sizes, from 200 ml to 500 ml, to meet various culinary needs.

Practical Tips:

- Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes of different varieties to obtain a puree with a complex range of flavors. Romanian tomatoes, for example, are known for their natural sweetness.

- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the acidity of the tomatoes. If you prefer sweeter dishes, add a little more sugar.

- Celery Leaves: If you don't have fresh celery, you can also use dried leaves, but the flavors will be more intense if you use fresh ingredients.

- Vegan Option: This recipe is 100% vegan, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

Tomato puree is full of antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin A), and minerals. It is low in calories, containing about 40 calories per 100 ml, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use canned tomatoes?: While you can use canned tomatoes, your puree will not have the same freshness and flavor as one made from fresh tomatoes.

- How can I use tomato puree?: It is ideal for making sauces, soups, or even meat and vegetable dishes. You can add the puree to pasta or rice recipes for a rich flavor.

- How long does it last?: If properly sterilized, tomato puree can be stored for 1-2 years in the pantry.

Personal Story: I remember how, in my childhood, summer was dedicated to preparing tomato puree with my grandmother. Our whole family would gather, each having a role in the preparation process, and the smell of fresh tomatoes and celery filled the house with an aroma that reminds me of warm summer days. It is a recipe that not only feeds but also brings people together.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious puree, don’t hesitate to try it! It is a simple recipe, yet full of tradition and flavor, that will remind you of the tastes of childhood. Enjoy!