Peppers in tomato sauce

Peppers in tomato sauce: a delicious and colorful recipe

Introduction
Peppers in tomato sauce are a delicacy that brings a touch of summer to any meal, even in the coldest months of the year. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the sweet flavors of the peppers with the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a perfect dish for side dishes or as an ingredient in various recipes. Additionally, peppers are rich in nutrients, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 10 jars

Ingredients:
- 5 kg peppers (choose meaty, firm, and blemish-free peppers)
- 10 kg tomatoes (you can use fresh or canned tomatoes, but fresh ones are the most flavorful)
- salt (to taste)
- water (if necessary)
- celery leaves (for added flavor)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the peppers
First, peel the peppers and cut them into quarters. Choose peppers that are firm and meaty to achieve a crunchy texture after preservation. If you prefer, you can also cut them into cubes, but quarters are easier to handle in the jar.

2. Preparing the tomato sauce
Take the tomatoes, wash them well, and pass them through a meat grinder or blender to obtain a puree. Then, place the obtained juice in a large pot and bring it to a boil. If you find the juice too thick, feel free to add a little water while stirring constantly. Add salt to taste; it is important not to overdo it with the salt, as the peppers will absorb some salt during preservation.

3. Assembling the jars
While the tomato sauce is boiling, prepare the jars. Wash them well and sterilize them, either in the oven or in boiling water. Place the peppers in the jars, alternating with celery leaves for an intense and aromatic flavor. Make sure the peppers are evenly placed, without leaving large gaps between them.

4. Pouring the sauce
When the sauce is ready, set it aside and let it cool slightly. Then, pour the hot sauce over the peppers, filling the jars to the top. It is important that the peppers are completely covered with sauce to prevent fermentation.

5. Sealing the jars
To seal the jars, put on the lid and turn the jars upside down for a few minutes. Then, cover them with a blanket to retain heat and let them cool gradually until the next day.

6. Storing and serving
After the jars have completely cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. Peppers in tomato sauce can be consumed throughout the year, making an excellent accompaniment to various dishes, such as roasts or salads.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicy taste, add a few peppercorns or hot peppers to the jars.
- Make sure the peppers are well cleaned and have no signs of damage to avoid complications during preservation.
- For a sweeter version, add a small amount of sugar to the tomato sauce.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen peppers?
It is generally recommended to use fresh peppers, as their texture and flavor are better preserved during the canning process. Frozen peppers can become soft and lose their flavor.

2. How can I check if the jars have sealed correctly?
Make sure the lid is tightly secured and there are no "click" sounds when pressing on the lid. If it does not return to its original position, the jar is sealed correctly.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of peppers?
Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Suitable combinations
Peppers in tomato sauce pair very well with various meat dishes, such as pork or chicken roast. They can also be added to salads or used as a filling for sandwiches. An excellent choice would be to serve them alongside a refreshing drink, such as iced herbal tea or natural fruit juice.

Conclusion
Peppers in tomato sauce are not just a simple and quick recipe, but also a wonderful way to preserve the flavor of summer. With a little effort and quality ingredients, you will create a delicacy that will enrich your meals throughout the year. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family to spread the joy of preparing peppers in tomato sauce!