To prepare a delicious tomato and pepper preserve, choosing the right ingredients is essential. Opt for quality tomatoes, whether they are beautiful or less attractive; what matters is that they are healthy, without signs of mold or compounds that affect their taste. Tomatoes that have fallen on the ground or those slightly pecked by birds can be used, but make sure to clean them of any affected parts.
Start by placing the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds to facilitate peeling. After this process, immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Once they have cooled, peel them carefully. Cut the tomatoes in half, remove the seeds, and then cut them into strips or cubes, depending on your preferences.
Begin filling the clean jars with a layer of tomatoes, about two fingers thick. Then, prepare the peppers: cut them in half, remove the stems and seeds (if you want to keep them for next year, you can do this). Cut the peppers into thin strips and place a layer of peppers over the tomatoes in the jar. Ensure that the layer of peppers is thinner than the layer of tomatoes to achieve a balanced mixture. Continue alternating layers of tomatoes and peppers until the jar is full, leaving a small space at the top.
After filling the jars, seal them or screw them tightly. Place the jars in a deep pot, on a towel to prevent direct contact with the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot with warm tap water, making sure the water covers the jars up to 3/4 of their height. Put the pot on the heat and let it simmer for an hour. This sterilization method will help preserve the flavors and prevent bacterial growth.
After an hour, turn off the heat and let the jars cool in the water until the next day. This step is crucial because it allows the jars to seal properly. Once they have completely cooled, remove the jars from the water, wipe them with a clean cloth, and place them in the pantry.
The tomato and pepper preserve prepared this way can be used in various dishes: soups, roasts, or stews, bringing a special flavor to your meals, especially during fasting days when fresh ingredients are harder to find. This recipe will not only fill your pantry but also bring a touch of summer to every dish. Enjoy each serving with joy!
Start by placing the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for a few seconds to facilitate peeling. After this process, immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Once they have cooled, peel them carefully. Cut the tomatoes in half, remove the seeds, and then cut them into strips or cubes, depending on your preferences.
Begin filling the clean jars with a layer of tomatoes, about two fingers thick. Then, prepare the peppers: cut them in half, remove the stems and seeds (if you want to keep them for next year, you can do this). Cut the peppers into thin strips and place a layer of peppers over the tomatoes in the jar. Ensure that the layer of peppers is thinner than the layer of tomatoes to achieve a balanced mixture. Continue alternating layers of tomatoes and peppers until the jar is full, leaving a small space at the top.
After filling the jars, seal them or screw them tightly. Place the jars in a deep pot, on a towel to prevent direct contact with the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot with warm tap water, making sure the water covers the jars up to 3/4 of their height. Put the pot on the heat and let it simmer for an hour. This sterilization method will help preserve the flavors and prevent bacterial growth.
After an hour, turn off the heat and let the jars cool in the water until the next day. This step is crucial because it allows the jars to seal properly. Once they have completely cooled, remove the jars from the water, wipe them with a clean cloth, and place them in the pantry.
The tomato and pepper preserve prepared this way can be used in various dishes: soups, roasts, or stews, bringing a special flavor to your meals, especially during fasting days when fresh ingredients are harder to find. This recipe will not only fill your pantry but also bring a touch of summer to every dish. Enjoy each serving with joy!
Ingredients
red bell peppers