Tomato paste with broth

Tomato Paste with Broth: Winter Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10 jars

Introduction

Tomato paste with broth is an essential ingredient in any family's kitchen, especially during the cold season. It not only enriches the flavors of dishes but also brings a touch of warmth and comfort on chilly winter days. Used in soups, sauces, or fasting dishes, tomato paste quickly becomes a reliable ally in any recipe.

The history of this preparation is long, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Whether used to preserve tomatoes for winter or to enhance festive meals, the recipe for tomato paste with broth has evolved while retaining its simple and delicious essence.

Ingredients

- 10 kg ripe tomatoes
- 200 g sugar
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh basil
- Salt, to taste

Necessary Utensils

- Large pot for boiling
- Broth maker or sieve
- Sterilized jars with lids
- Baking tray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the tomatoes

To obtain a quality tomato paste, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. Select the healthiest, ripe, juicy tomatoes. Wash them well under running water and remove the white part from the stem. Cut them into large pieces to facilitate the pureeing process.

2. Pureeing the tomatoes

If you have a broth maker, use it to puree the tomatoes. This device will separate the skins and seeds, giving you a fine juice. If you don't have such a machine, you can place the chopped tomatoes in a pot and boil them over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once softened, use a fine sieve to obtain the desired juice.

3. Boiling the tomato juice

Pour the tomato juice into a large pot and place it on the heat. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During this process, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Skim this foam with a spoon, as it can affect the final texture of the paste.

4. Adding the ingredients

Once the juice has begun to boil, add the sugar, basil, and salt to taste. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while the basil will provide a fresh and characteristic flavor. Let the paste simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the volume is reduced by half.

5. Sterilizing the jars

While the paste is boiling, it is important to prepare the jars. Sterilize them beforehand by washing them well and then placing them in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. This step ensures that the tomato paste will last longer.

6. Filling the jars

Once the paste has reached the desired consistency, remove the basil sprigs and pour the hot paste into the sterilized jars. Make sure to leave a small space at the top to allow for air expansion during the cooking process. Seal the jars tightly with lids.

7. Cooking the jars in the oven

Place the jars in a tray and put them in the preheated oven at 100 degrees Celsius. Let them bake for one hour. This process will not only help seal the jars but will also enhance the flavor of the paste.

8. Cooling

After the hour of cooking, turn off the oven and let the jars cool inside. This step is essential to prevent the risk of jars exploding due to sudden temperature changes.

Practical Tips

- Tomato Selection: Choose tomatoes of different varieties to obtain a paste with a more complex flavor. Yellow tomatoes can be added to the mix to create a lighter hue and a slightly different taste.
- Use: Tomato paste can be used not only for soups and sauces but also as a base for pizza or as a condiment for various dishes.
- Storage: Keep the jars in a cool, dark place, away from moisture. Once opened, jars should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 weeks.
- Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, depending on personal preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

Tomato paste is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve skin health. Additionally, tomatoes are low in calories, making this paste a healthy ingredient for any diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Theoretically, yes, but the taste and texture will not be as fresh. Fresh tomatoes provide the best result.

2. How can I use tomato paste?
Tomato paste is versatile; you can use it in soups, sauces, stews, or even as a base for pizza.

3. Is it necessary to add sugar?
Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but if you prefer a sugar-free version, you can omit it.

Serving and Pairings

Tomato paste with broth can be served alongside a variety of dishes: from fresh pasta to vegetable dishes, or even as a base for a delicious pizza. A dry white wine or a light beer are perfect accompaniments to complete this culinary feast.

Personal Note

This recipe for tomato paste with broth will not only fill your pantry for winter but will also bring warm memories from summer days when tomatoes are at their peak flavor. Try preparing it together with family or friends, turning this process into a joyful and collaborative activity.

Try to cook with your heart! Each jar of tomato paste will carry the memories and flavors of this special moment spent together.