Vegetables in a Jar for Winter

Wash the vegetables and herbs well and let them drain in a sieve, making sure all the water is removed to avoid diluting the sauce. Coarsely chop the parsley and lovage leaves, while the celery leaves can be finely chopped. These herbs will add an unmistakable flavor to the dish. Remove the skins from the tomatoes using a sharp knife or by dipping them in boiling water for a few seconds, then chop them into cubes. Separately, clean the bell peppers or capsicums of their stems and seeds, cutting them into pieces or thin strips, according to preference.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the bell peppers. Let them sauté for 10 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning. This process will help intensify the flavors and provide a wonderful taste. Once the bell peppers have softened, add the chopped tomatoes and mix well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes turn into a rich and flavorful sauce.

After the sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the chopped herbs and a packet of Pikant Fix. This seasoning will further enhance the flavors, and the mixture should be well homogenized. Let everything cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the sauce has a thicker broth-like appearance. Finally, do not forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, so as to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.

Once the sauce is ready, pour it hot into sterilized and preheated jars, filling them up to about 1-2 cm from the top of the jar. Seal the jars and place them in a warm spot, surrounded by blankets, to cool slowly. This dry steam process will help preserve the taste and flavors. After they have completely cooled, clean the jars of any sauce residue and label them with the preparation date. Store them in the pantry, where they will be handy to add extra flavor to soups, sauces, or other dishes. This recipe not only enriches meals but also helps to preserve the taste of summer for the cold winter days.