Pepper and tomato paste

Pepper and Tomato Paste – A Summer Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: approx. 8 jars of 400 ml and 3 bottles of 250-300 ml

Discover the magic of a traditional recipe, easy to make, that combines the vibrant taste of peppers with the sweetness of tomatoes. This pepper and tomato paste is not just a simple preserve, but an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of summer. Perfect to accompany dishes or to be enjoyed on a slice of fresh bread, this recipe is an excellent way to keep the taste of the season.

A bit of history

Pepper and tomato paste has deep roots in traditional cuisine, prepared by generations of homemakers. It is a clever way to preserve fresh vegetables, offering an intense and natural taste, perfect for use throughout the year. Peppers, with their crunchy texture and sweet aroma, combine perfectly with juicy tomatoes, creating an irresistible mix.

Your ingredients

- 3 kg peppers (choose well-ripened peppers with a vibrant color)
- 1.5 kg tomatoes (opt for garden tomatoes, juicy and aromatic)
- 2 tablespoons sea salt (for better taste, choose unprocessed sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (for a hint of spice)

Step by step

1. Preparing the vegetables
Start by washing the peppers and tomatoes well under a stream of cold water. Make sure no impurities or dust remain. This is an essential step to obtain a clean and flavorful paste.

2. Blanching the tomatoes
Put a pot of water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the tomatoes for about 1-2 minutes. This process will make their skin peel off easily. After blanching the tomatoes, place them under a stream of cold water to stop the cooking and then peel them.

3. Preparing the peppers
Remove the seeds from the peppers and cut them into slices. This step is important as the seeds can give a bitter taste to the paste.

4. Grinding the vegetables
Use a meat grinder to turn the peeled tomatoes and sliced peppers into a puree. This step will ensure a uniform texture for your paste. If you don't have a meat grinder, you can use a blender, but make sure not to get too fine a paste.

5. Cooking the paste
Transfer the obtained sauce into a large pot and put it on medium heat. Let it boil for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

6. Seasoning
About 15 minutes before removing the paste from the heat, add the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. This is the moment when the flavor intensifies and the paste gains personality.

7. Preserving
Once the paste has boiled and reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Fill the clean jars or bottles with the hot paste, leaving a little space at the top. Cover immediately with the lids.

8. Cooling
Wrap the jars in a blanket to cool gradually. This process helps seal the jars, preventing bacterial growth.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables. Ripe peppers and tomatoes will provide better taste and a more vibrant color for your paste.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding herbs such as basil or dill for extra flavor.
- Serving: Pepper and tomato paste is fantastic on toasted bread or as a side dish for meats. You can also use it to season soups or stews.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, being an excellent source of antioxidants. Tomatoes bring a good dose of lycopene, a compound with antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of fresh vegetables contributes to maintaining cardiovascular health and a healthy immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can experiment with hot peppers for a spicy taste or carrots for a touch of sweetness.

2. How can I tell if the paste is ready?
The paste should reach a thick consistency, and excess liquid should have evaporated. You can check by tasting a small amount.

3. How can I store the paste?
If the jars are well sealed, you can keep the paste in the pantry for a few months. Once opened, store them in the fridge and consume within a few weeks.

4. What can I serve the pepper and tomato paste with?
It is delicious alongside cheeses, cold cuts, or as an ingredient in a sandwich. You can also use it as a base for sauces or soups.

I hope this pepper and tomato paste recipe inspires you to try it and enjoy the flavors of summer all year round. Preparing this delicacy is a satisfying experience, and the final result will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!