We wash and thoroughly drain the tomatoes, cherry leaves, and grape leaves, ensuring that all ingredients are fresh and clean. It is essential to choose ripe but firm tomatoes to achieve quality preserves. We start by placing a first layer of grape leaves in a sterilized jar. These will not only add a distinct flavor but will also keep the tomatoes in good condition. We sprinkle some peppercorns and mustard seeds for extra flavor, and then continue arranging the tomatoes.
The tomatoes are carefully placed, trying to fill all the gaps in the jar. Between the tomatoes, we add a few peeled garlic cloves, cherry leaves, and bay leaves, which will contribute to an intense and aromatic flavor. The garlic will add a touch of savoriness, while the cherry and bay leaves will bring a pleasant aroma. After we have arranged all the ingredients, we sprinkle the remaining pepper and mustard seeds again and cover everything with another layer of grape leaves, ensuring optimal preservation.
Separately, we boil water, adding 100 ml of vinegar and a heaping tablespoon of coarse salt for each liter of water. This brine will help preserve the vegetables, keeping their freshness and characteristic flavors. When the water reaches boiling point, we carefully pour the hot brine over the tomatoes and leaves in the jar, ensuring that all ingredients are completely covered.
After pouring the brine, we immediately seal the jars with a lid or a piece of cloth, then place them in a warm spot, wrapped in blankets, to cool gradually. This slow cooling method will allow the flavors to fully develop. We let the jars sit for 1 to 2 days until they cool completely.
After this period, we store the jars in the pantry, in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Here, our preserves will keep well and will last for a long time, ready to be enjoyed in various dishes. This method of preserving tomatoes is not only practical but also an excellent way to keep the taste of summer in every jar. This recipe for preserved tomatoes is perfect for use in soups, sauces, or as a garnish in various dishes.
The tomatoes are carefully placed, trying to fill all the gaps in the jar. Between the tomatoes, we add a few peeled garlic cloves, cherry leaves, and bay leaves, which will contribute to an intense and aromatic flavor. The garlic will add a touch of savoriness, while the cherry and bay leaves will bring a pleasant aroma. After we have arranged all the ingredients, we sprinkle the remaining pepper and mustard seeds again and cover everything with another layer of grape leaves, ensuring optimal preservation.
Separately, we boil water, adding 100 ml of vinegar and a heaping tablespoon of coarse salt for each liter of water. This brine will help preserve the vegetables, keeping their freshness and characteristic flavors. When the water reaches boiling point, we carefully pour the hot brine over the tomatoes and leaves in the jar, ensuring that all ingredients are completely covered.
After pouring the brine, we immediately seal the jars with a lid or a piece of cloth, then place them in a warm spot, wrapped in blankets, to cool gradually. This slow cooling method will allow the flavors to fully develop. We let the jars sit for 1 to 2 days until they cool completely.
After this period, we store the jars in the pantry, in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. Here, our preserves will keep well and will last for a long time, ready to be enjoyed in various dishes. This method of preserving tomatoes is not only practical but also an excellent way to keep the taste of summer in every jar. This recipe for preserved tomatoes is perfect for use in soups, sauces, or as a garnish in various dishes.
Ingredients
-2 kg cherry tomatoes or another variety, but as small as possible, ripe and firm -2 heads of garlic -5-6 bay leaves -5-6 vine leaves -1 tablespoon mustard seeds -sour cherry leaves (5-7 would be enough) -coarse salt -100 ml of 9-degree food vinegar, per 1 liter of brine -2 tablespoons of peppercorns Brine: for 1 liter of water, 1 heaping tablespoon of coarse salt.