Bell pepper in tomato sauce

Captivating Recipe for Kapia Peppers in Tomato Sauce

In the culinary world, kapia peppers enjoy particular popularity due to their sweet taste and intense aroma. This recipe for kapia peppers in tomato sauce is perfect not only for enjoying the taste of summer all year round but also for adding a special touch to your meals. Whether you serve them alongside grilled meats or transform them into a delicious ketchup, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 2 kg kapia peppers
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup oil
- 400 ml tomato sauce or puree
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds

Preparing the peppers:
1. Start by cleaning the kapia peppers. Remove the stems and seeds, then wash them well under cold running water. Once drained, cut them into thin strips. This will help them absorb the flavors of the sauce better and cook evenly.

2. In a large pot, add the oil, vinegar, sugar, tomato sauce, salt, peppercorns, and mustard. These ingredients will blend perfectly, creating a balance of sweet and sour flavors.

Cooking the sauce:
3. Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach a boiling point. Once the sauce starts to boil, add the strips of pepper. Stir well to ensure that each piece of pepper is coated with sauce.

4. Let the peppers boil for 15-20 minutes until they soften but do not turn to mush. It is important to maintain their texture, so you will have a more pleasant jar of peppers to serve.

Filling the jars:
5. Prepare the jars by washing them well and drying them. It is recommended to sterilize them to prevent bacterial growth. Fill each jar with the pepper and sauce mixture, leaving about two fingers of space at the top. This will allow for the expansion of the sauce during cooling.

6. Cover the jars with the lids, tightening them well to avoid leaks. Place them lid-side down and wrapped in towels to cool slowly. This cooling method helps create a vacuum, ensuring that the peppers will stay fresh for a longer time.

Storage:
7. After the jars have completely cooled, store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. This preparation can be kept for several months, making it an excellent choice for winter.

Serving and suggestions:
Kapia peppers in tomato sauce are delicious as a side dish for grilled meats, but they can also be used as a base for homemade ketchup. All you need to do is blend the contents of the jar. You can add a little extra sugar or vinegar if you desire a sweeter or more sour note. This variation of the recipe will allow you to enjoy a versatile sauce, perfect for burgers, fries, or even salads.

Nutritional benefits:
Kapia peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice. Additionally, tomato sauce provides a significant amount of lycopene, an antioxidant known for its benefits in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, consuming this dish will not only delight your taste buds but also support your health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can experiment with different sweet peppers, but kapia pepper is ideal due to its natural sweetness.

- What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you notice that the sauce has become too viscous, you can add a little water or tomato juice to achieve the desired consistency.

- What other recipes can I try with kapia peppers?
You can also use kapia peppers in various salads, soups, or as an ingredient in pizza, adding an extra burst of flavor to your meals.

Chef's tips:
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a bit of crushed garlic to the sauce. This will enrich the flavors and add an extra layer of complexity. Also, feel free to experiment with spices like oregano or basil to customize the recipe to your liking.

In conclusion, kapia peppers in tomato sauce are an excellent choice for preserving the taste of summer and bringing a touch of freshness to your dishes. With our simple and detailed recipe, you will achieve a perfect result every time. So don’t wait any longer, gather the ingredients, and enjoy this delicacy!