Peppers in sauce

Sweet and sour peppers: a perfect summer recipe for winter

Sweet and sour peppers are a delicacy that should not be missing from anyone's pantry. This dish not only brings an explosion of flavors and aromas but is also an excellent way to preserve summer vegetables for the upcoming winter. In this recipe, you will discover how to transform peppers into a delicious sauce, perfect for accompanying your favorite dishes. Whether you enjoy peppers as an appetizer or as a side dish, this recipe will quickly become your favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Essential ingredients:

- 2 kg cleaned peppers (buy vibrant, fresh peppers)
- 150 ml wine vinegar (opt for a high-quality vinegar, as it will influence the final flavor)
- 200 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal, but you can also try olive oil for a distinct note)
- 200 g sugar (sugar will add sweetness and help with preservation)
- 1 tablespoon salt (salt helps draw moisture from the peppers)
- 300 g tomato paste (choose a quality paste for a rich sauce)
- 2-3 bay leaves (adds a subtle fragrance to the dish)
- 1 tablespoon whole pepper (adds a hint of spice)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (for an extra flavor kick)

Preparing sweet and sour peppers:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by washing the peppers well under cold running water. Use a sharp knife to remove seeds and veins, then cut them into strips about 1 cm wide. This size will allow the peppers to absorb the flavors of the sauce and cook evenly.

2. Boiling the ingredients: In a large pot, add the wine vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, tomato paste, bay leaves, and whole pepper. Place the mixture over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything reaches a boiling point. This will be the base of your sauce, which will add depth and flavor to the peppers.

3. Adding the peppers: Once the sauce has reached a boiling point, add the prepared peppers. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the peppers cook evenly.

4. Final cooking: After 25 minutes, remove the lid and let the peppers simmer on low heat for another 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It is important for the sauce to thicken and coat the peppers evenly. You can use a wooden spoon to check the consistency of the sauce.

5. Sterilizing the jars: While the sauce is cooking, prepare the jars. Wash them well and place them in a preheated oven at 100°C for 15 minutes to sterilize. This step is essential to prevent contamination of your preserves.

6. Filling the jars: Once the peppers are ready, use a funnel or a jug to transfer the hot sauce into sterilized jars. Place the jars on a few knives to avoid thermal shock. Screw on the lid immediately to keep the peppers warm.

7. Completing the preservation process: Place the jars in the preheated oven and leave them for another 15 minutes to finish the sterilization process. After this time, remove them from the oven and wrap them in a thick blanket to cool gradually. This step helps create a vacuum inside the jars, ensuring better preservation.

8. Serving and storage: Your peppers can be consumed as soon as they have cooled completely, but their flavor will become even more intense if you let them sit for a few days. Store the jars in a cool, dark place, and once opened, consume them within a few weeks.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Choose quality peppers, free of spots or defects. A vibrant color is an indicator of freshness.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add some hot peppers or chili flakes.
- Experiment with spices: add coriander or cumin for a more complex flavor.
- Ensure you use clean jars and lids to avoid spoilage of the preparation.

Nutritional benefits: Peppers are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Consuming them can support the immune system and digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted with other vegetables, such as carrots or eggplants.
- Can the peppers be eaten cold? Definitely! They are delicious as a side dish or appetizer.
- How can I store the peppers after opening? Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 weeks.

Now that you know how to prepare these sweet and sour peppers, you have no excuse not to try! Not only will you have a delicious delicacy for your meals, but also a pleasant memory of summer, even during winter. Enjoy!