Small red juice

Small Tomato Juice Recipe - A Delicacy for an Authentic Taste

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: Approximately 20 servings (depending on bottle size)

Small tomato juice is an essential ingredient in traditional cuisine, bringing a fresh and vibrant taste to various dishes. This simple and quick recipe will help you create a delicious juice, perfect for enhancing soups, sauces, or any dishes that require a touch of acidity. Small tomatoes, with their intense flavors, are ideal for obtaining a concentrated juice with a vibrant color.

Ingredients

- 10 kg small, well-ripened tomatoes
- 5 tablespoons salt (preferably sea salt or unsalted salt)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the pot)

Necessary Utensils

- Tomato juicer (or a powerful blender)
- Large stainless steel pot
- Glass bottles with caps (previously sterilized)
- Wooden spoon
- Dustpan for picking up the crushed tomatoes
- Cotton cloth (optional, for filtering the juice)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Tomatoes
Start by washing the small tomatoes under cold running water. Choose only healthy tomatoes, without black spots or signs of damage, to obtain the best quality juice. If desired, you can cut the tomatoes in half to facilitate the juicing process.

2. Juicing the Tomatoes
Using the tomato juicer, turn the tomatoes into juice. If you don't have a dedicated machine, a powerful blender can work wonders. Blending the tomatoes until they become a smooth puree will help you achieve the desired juice. If you prefer a finer texture, strain the obtained juice through a cotton cloth to remove seeds and pulp.

3. Preparing the Juice
In a large stainless steel pot, add the two tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the previously obtained tomato juice. Increase the temperature and bring the juice to a boil.

4. Boiling the Juice
Let the juice boil over high heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. At this stage, be mindful of the delicious smell that will fill the kitchen – it's a sign that the juice is becoming more aromatic!

5. Adding the Salt
After an hour of boiling, add the 5 tablespoons of salt to the juice. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of salt. The flavor will become more intense, and the juice will be perfect for enhancing dishes.

6. Sterilizing the Bottles
While the juice is boiling, prepare the bottles. It is essential to sterilize them to prevent contamination. You can do this by boiling the bottles in water for 10-15 minutes or washing them in the dishwasher at a high temperature.

7. Bottling the Success
When the juice is ready, carefully pour it into the hot bottles. Fill each bottle almost to the neck, leaving a little space for expansion. Immediately seal the bottles with the sterilized caps.

8. Cooling and Storing
Place the filled bottles in a warm place until they cool completely. This step is important for the proper sealing of the juice. Once the bottles have cooled, store them in a dark, cool place, where they can be preserved for several months.

Practical Tips

- Quality Tomatoes: Choose small tomatoes, preferably from your own garden or from the market, to obtain a more flavorful juice. Cherry tomatoes or "saucer" type are excellent for this recipe.
- Juice Varieties: Experiment with different spices, such as basil or oregano, adding them during boiling to create a flavored juice.
- Checking the Salt: It is important to taste the juice before preserving it. If you prefer a less salty taste, reduce the amount of salt.

Nutritional Benefits

Tomato juice is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system. Additionally, tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can canned tomato juice be used?
Yes, but the taste will be different. Fresh tomato juice has a much more vibrant and natural flavor.

- How can I use tomato juice?
This juice is ideal for souring soups, making sauces, or even being consumed as is, diluted with water and added with a bit of fresh basil.

Delicious Combinations

This tomato juice pairs perfectly with a slice of garlic toast or a fresh salad. It can also be served alongside a refreshing cocktail, such as a Bloody Mary, adding a touch of spice and flavor.

Personal Note

This small tomato juice recipe is one of my fondest childhood memories. I remember the days spent in the garden, picking tomatoes with my grandmother, who told me about the importance of fresh ingredients and the magic of cooking at home. I encourage you to turn this recipe into a family experience, inviting your children or friends to participate in the preparation process.

Regardless of the occasion, small tomato juice will add a touch of joy and flavor to your meals. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy every sip!