Vegetables for soups and other dishes

Vegetables for soups and other delicious dishes

Are you ready to bring an explosion of flavors and colors into your kitchen? Vegetables for soups and other dishes are an essential preserve, full of taste and nutrients, that can transform any meal into a true culinary feast. Whether you are an experienced cook or a passionate beginner, this recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400-500 ml

Ingredients

- 3 kg bell peppers or pimientos
- 5 kg tomatoes
- 1 large celery (with leaves)
- 3 kg carrots
- 2 kg onions
- 1 liter oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a spicy taste)
- 100 ml vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar)
- A bunch of fresh parsley

Brief history of the recipe

Vegetables for soups is a traditional recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, being an ingenious method of preserving fresh vegetables to use throughout the year. This recipe not only brings a rich taste to dishes but also a touch of nostalgia, evoking memories of family and shared meals. Whether it’s a warm soup on cold winter days or a savory stew, vegetables are the key ingredient that will enrich every recipe.

Step by step: Preparation guide

1. Preparing the ingredients

To start, wash all the vegetables well. It is important to use fresh ingredients, as they will determine the final quality of the preserves. Here are some useful tips:

- Bell peppers and pimientos: Choose meaty peppers with smooth skin and no spots. Pimientos are ideal for a sweet taste.
- Tomatoes: Use seasonal, flavorful tomatoes that can be easily crushed. Ripe tomatoes will provide a delicious juice.
- Celery: Make sure the celery has fresh, deep green leaves. The leaves add extra flavor.
- Carrots: Choose younger carrots, which are sweeter and more tender.
- Onions: Either red or white onions can be used; each brings a different shade of flavor.

2. Making the tomato juice

After preparing the vegetables, start with the tomatoes. Cut them in half and squeeze them to obtain the juice. You can use a juicer or simply mash them with a fork. Place the resulting juice in a large pot over medium heat.

3. Boiling the vegetables

Add the bell peppers, celery, carrots, and onions, all cut into large pieces, to the pot with tomato juice. Let everything boil for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this stage, the delicious smell will begin to fill the kitchen, and anticipation will grow!

4. Passing the vegetables through the meat grinder

After the vegetables have boiled, let them cool slightly, then pass them through a meat grinder. This will turn the mixture into a fine paste, perfect for preserving.

5. Final cooking

In another pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and let them boil for 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, then add the hot pepper and vinegar. Mix well and let the flavors combine.

6. Preserving

Prepare the jars by washing and sterilizing them. Fill the jars with the hot vegetable mixture, leaving a little space at the top. Seal them well and place them in a warm spot, wrapped in blankets, to keep them warm overnight. This will help create a vacuum, essential for preservation.

7. Storing

The next day, when the jars have cooled, store them in a cool, dark place. Here, the vegetables will be able to be kept for months, ready to be used in various dishes.

Serving and usage

The prepared vegetables are perfect for soups, stews, or even as a base for sauces. They can be combined with meat or vegetarian dishes, adding an extra layer of flavor. Try them alongside a slice of fresh bread and a glass of white wine!

Variations and suggestions

You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to customize the recipe to your preferences. Additionally, adding herbs like basil or thyme can provide an even more interesting flavor.

Nutritional information

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, with a high antioxidant content from tomatoes and vegetables. It is a healthy option, with a moderate calorie intake, ideal for enriching everyday meals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but it is best to use fresh vegetables for better taste. Frozen vegetables may contain additives that affect flavor.

2. How can I check if the vegetables have preserved well?
Ensure that the jar lid is tightly sealed and that there are no unpleasant odors. If the lid is bulging, do not consume the product.

3. How long can the vegetables be kept?
If stored under optimal conditions (cool and dark), the vegetables can last up to a year.

With this recipe, you will not only create a culinary delight but also beautiful memories with your loved ones. So, get ready to take on the challenge and bring a piece of culinary traditions into your own kitchen!