Aromatic broth

Aromatic Broth Recipe: A Summer Delight in Jars

Welcome to the wonderful world of homemade dishes! Today, I present to you a recipe for aromatic broth, an essential ingredient in any family kitchen, blending the fresh taste of tomatoes with enticing herb aromas. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a piece of summer into every jar, which you can enjoy throughout the year.

The History of Broth

Tomato broth has a long history, being used in various cultures as a base for soups, sauces, or even to add a splash of flavor to meat or vegetable dishes. This simple yet delicious recipe allows you to preserve your garden tomatoes and the fresh aromas of summer, providing you with a natural condiment without preservatives.

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Number of Servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 ml

Ingredients:
- 10 kg ripe and juicy garden tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons coarse salt for pickling
- Sugar to taste (optional, for tarter tomatoes)
- Fresh basil, a few bunches
- Celery leaves, a few bunches
- Other herbs (optional): parsley, tarragon, etc.

Step by Step for a Perfect Broth

1. Preparing the Tomatoes:
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. If you have tomatoes with thicker skins, you can blanch them for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then quickly transfer them to cold water to peel them more easily. If you prefer a smoother broth, you can pass the tomatoes through a sieve or blend them until you achieve a uniform paste.

2. Chop the Herbs:
Wash the basil and celery leaves. Use a chopper or food processor to finely chop them. This will release the essential oils and aromas, giving the broth a unique flavor.

3. Cooking the Tomatoes:
Place the pureed tomatoes in a large pot over medium heat. Add the coarse salt and, if necessary, sugar. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the volume decreases and it becomes a thicker paste. This process can take between 30 and 60 minutes.

4. Add the Herbs:
After the tomatoes have reduced, add the chopped herbs. Allow the broth to simmer for another 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld perfectly.

5. Sterilizing the Jars:
While the broth is simmering, pay special attention to the jars. Wash them well with warm soapy water, then rinse them. An effective sterilization method is to place them in an oven preheated to 100°C for about 15 minutes. Ensure that the lids are also sterilized.

6. Filling the Jars:
When the broth is ready, pour it hot into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 cm of headspace at the top. If desired, you can add a basil leaf to each jar for extra flavor.

7. Sealing the Jars:
Close each jar with the sterilized lid and tighten it well. You can either boil them in a water bath for 30-40 minutes or place them in the oven at 100°C for about 1 hour to ensure they are well sealed.

8. Cooling and Storing:
After the jars are sealed, wrap them in warm blankets and let them cool slowly until the next day. Then, store them in a pantry in a cool, dark place.

Practical Tips:
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: Garden tomatoes are the best for broth, but you can also use "Roma" tomatoes for a more concentrated flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add other favorite herbs or spices to customize your broth. For example, a hint of oregano or thyme can add extra character.
- Storage: Make sure the jars are well labeled with the preparation date, so you know how long you have the broth available. Typically, it keeps well for a year if stored correctly.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- *Can I use canned tomatoes?* While fresh tomatoes are preferable, you can use canned tomatoes, but the result will differ in texture and flavor.
- *How can I use the broth?* It is versatile: you can use it as a base for soups, pasta sauces, or to flavor meat dishes.

Delicious Combinations:
This aromatic broth pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh pasta with tomato sauce
- Pizza with fresh ingredients
- Stews or oven-baked dishes
- A summer salad with feta cheese and olive oil

Nutritional Benefits:
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C and lycopene, which help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. By consuming the broth, you enjoy all these benefits along with the delicious flavors of summer.

I conclude this recipe with a thought: making broth is an art that deserves all the patience and dedication, and the final result will not only bring you satisfaction but also beautiful memories of moments spent in the kitchen. So, don't hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe and turn it into your unique creation!