Vegetable sauce for winter

Vegetable Sauce for Winter

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400 ml

Winter is approaching, and with it comes the desire to have delicious sauces at hand that bring the flavor of summer to our table. This vegetable sauce recipe is perfect for preserving the taste of fresh vegetables, featuring juicy tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, all transforming into a flavorful sauce, ideal for accompanying various dishes.

Brief history: Vegetable sauces have been used over time as a way to preserve vegetables for winter, providing not only a source of nutrients but also a way to add flavor to dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations, each contributing with small variations and secrets.

Ingredients:
- 2.2 kg of ripe country tomatoes (choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes, preferably from the garden)
- 3 kg of bell peppers and kapia peppers (make sure they are well ripened for an intense taste)
- 5 large onions (sweet onion is the best choice)
- 150 ml of oil (sunflower oil or olive oil works well)
- 1.5 tablespoons of coarse salt (helps preserve the sauce)
- freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf (for a distinct aroma)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables well. Tomatoes can be peeled more easily by blanching. So, put a pot of water to boil. When the water starts to boil, add the tomatoes and let them boil for about 2 minutes. This step will make peeling them easier.

2. Peeling the tomatoes: Remove the tomatoes from the water with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of cold water to cool quickly. Once cooled, peel them and remove the stems.

3. Preparing the bell peppers and onions: Wash the bell peppers and kapia peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into suitable pieces. Peel the onion and cut it into quarters.

4. Grinding the vegetables: Use a food processor to grind the onion first, then the tomatoes, followed by the bell peppers and kapia peppers. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a meat grinder. Be careful to achieve a smooth paste, but not too fine.

5. Cooking the sauce: In a larger pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground onion and tomatoes and let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the ground bell peppers and kapia, salt, and freshly ground pepper.

6. Reducing the sauce: Let the sauce simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spatula. It is important to be patient during this step - by letting the sauce simmer slowly, you will intensify the flavors. Cook the sauce for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until it reduces well.

7. Finishing the sauce: At the end, add the bay leaf torn into pieces and mix well. The bay leaf will add a distinct aromatic note to your sauce.

8. Preserving the sauce: Remove the pot from the heat and fill the well-washed and dried jars with the hot sauce. Make sure the jars are sealed airtight. Wrap the jars in a blanket and let them cool to room temperature overnight. The next day, move them to the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all vegetables are fresh and ripe for the best taste.
- You can also add other spices, such as basil or oregano, to customize the sauce's flavor.
- This sauce keeps very well in jars, but it is recommended to consume it within a year.

Nutritional benefits:
This vegetable sauce is rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants, with a low calorie content, making it a healthy choice for various dishes. Tomatoes are known for their antioxidant properties, and bell peppers add a boost of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can add carrots or zucchini to diversify the sauce.
- How can I use this sauce? It is perfect for accompanying pasta, rice, or even as a base for soups.

Serving suggestions:
This vegetable sauce can be served alongside chicken or pork roast, but it is also excellent as a base for pizza or bruschetta. You can add a little feta cheese or parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Possible variations:
You can adapt the vegetable sauce according to your preferences. Add olives for a Mediterranean taste or fresh herbs for a sauce with a fresh aroma.

With this vegetable sauce recipe for winter, you will have a versatile ingredient at hand that will transform any meal into an unforgettable experience! Enjoy your meal!