Capsicum preserve for winter

Pepper preservation for winter - A traditional and tasty recipe

In the cold season, there’s nothing more comforting than opening a jar of preserved capia peppers, tasting the aroma of summer right in the middle of winter. This recipe for preserving capia peppers is simple yet highly effective, bringing a splash of color and flavor to your table. Capia peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and preserving them will allow you to enjoy their benefits throughout the year. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 3 jars of 800 g

Ingredients
- 2 kg capia peppers
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Peppercorns (enough to cover between three fingers)
- 300 ml water
- 300 ml vinegar
- 25 ml oil

Necessary utensils
- A baking tray
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- 800 g jars (3 pieces)
- Jar lids
- A bowl for the preservation mixture

Step by step in preserving capia peppers

1. Preparing the peppers
Start by preheating the oven to 220°C. Wash the capia peppers well under a stream of cold water, then place them on a baking tray. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the skin becomes slightly charred and puffs up. This process will give them an intense flavor and make them much easier to peel.

2. Peeling the peppers
After the peppers have been baked, remove them from the oven and place them in a bowl with cold water for 10-15 minutes. This will help remove the skin. After cooling, peel them, remove the stems and seeds, resulting in beautiful pieces of pepper.

3. Preparing the jars
Sterilize the jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by washing them in the dishwasher at a high temperature. This step is crucial to prevent bacterial growth during preservation.

4. Assembling the contents of the jars
Slice the garlic thinly. Place the peeled peppers in the jars, alternating with the slices of garlic. Evenly distribute the broken bay leaves and peppercorns among the three jars. These will add extra flavor and taste.

5. Preparing the preservation liquid
In a bowl, mix the water, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Make sure all ingredients are well combined. Pour this mixture over the peppers in the jars, ensuring that the liquid completely covers them.

6. Finalizing and sealing the jars
Finally, add 25 ml of oil on top of the contents of each jar. The oil will act as a natural preservative, adding a rich taste. Close the jars with sterilized lids and check if they are well sealed.

7. Storage
Place the jars in a cool, dark place. The preserved capia peppers will be ready to enjoy after about 2-3 weeks, when the flavors have melded.

Practical tips
- Choosing the peppers: Opt for well-roasted, medium-sized capia peppers, as they have thicker and juicier flesh.
- Variations: You can also add other spices, such as oregano or thyme, for an extra touch of flavor.
- Serving: These preserved peppers are delicious as a side dish for meats, in salads, or on toasted bread with goat cheese.

Nutritional benefits
Capia peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Consuming them can support the immune system, skin health, and digestion. They also contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use red or green peppers?
Yes, but capia peppers have a sweeter taste and a more pleasant texture after preservation.

- How can I check if the jars have sealed properly?
After the jars have cooled, press down on the lid. If it doesn’t move, it means they have sealed properly.

- How long can I keep the jars?
If stored properly, the peppers can last up to a year.

This recipe for preserving capia peppers will not only fill your pantry with goodies but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Try it and turn every meal into a celebration of taste!