Broth

Tomato Broth Recipe: A Winter Delicacy

Who doesn’t love the warm, rich aroma of tomato broth? It is an essential ingredient in many dishes, bringing a note of freshness and flavor. This tomato broth recipe will not only fill your pantry for winter but will also become the perfect base for soups, sauces, and other delicious preparations.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 20 bottles of 1 liter

Ingredients

- 20 kg very ripe tomatoes
- 500 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- A large bunch of celery (approximately 200 g)
- A large bunch of parsley (approximately 100 g)

Necessary Utensils

- A large pot (preferably with a double bottom or thick metal)
- Tomato strainer or blender
- Wooden spoon
- Clean, sterilized bottles
- Caps for bottles
- A towel or blanket to wrap the bottles

Step by Step: How to Prepare the Broth

1. Preparing the Tomatoes: Carefully select the tomatoes, ensuring they are very ripe and healthy. High-quality tomatoes will make a tasty and aromatic broth. Wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities. After washing, let them drain completely.

2. Cutting the Tomatoes: Cut each tomato into quarters. This step not only helps you prepare them more easily but also facilitates the juice extraction process.

3. Juice Extraction: Use a tomato strainer or blender to turn the tomato pieces into a fine puree. This will separate the skins and seeds, leaving you with a concentrated and delicious juice.

4. Boiling: Place the tomato juice in a large pot over low heat. It is essential to use a thick-bottomed pot to avoid burning. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

5. Adding Aromatic Vegetables: Add the bunch of celery and parsley, leaving them intact. These aromatic herbs will add depth and complexity to your broth. Remember that you will remove them at the end!

6. Seasoning: Add sugar and salt to taste. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, so adjust the amount according to your personal preferences.

7. Final Boiling: Let the broth simmer on low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the volume has reduced by about two fingers.

8. Bottling: Once the broth is ready, remove the celery and parsley. Pour the hot broth into clean bottles, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Seal them tightly with caps.

9. Preservation: Place the wrapped bottles in a towel or blanket to keep them warm. Allow them to cool completely, and the next day store them in a cellar or a cool, dark place. The broth will keep well throughout the winter, adding flavor and zest to your dishes.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Tomatoes: Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for broth due to their high flesh content and flavor.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet your tomatoes are. Experiment to find the perfect balance!
- Storage: Make sure the bottles are well sterilized before filling to prevent mold.

Nutritional Benefits

Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and potassium. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Delicious Combinations

This tomato broth pairs perfectly with:

- Pasta: Use it as a base for your favorite pasta sauce.
- Sauces: Enrich sauces for pizza or lasagna.
- Soups: Add it to vegetable soups for an extra flavor boost.

Possible Variations

- Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper to give the broth a spicy kick.
- Fresh Herbs: You can experiment with other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to customize the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if the broth has spoiled?
Check the smell and appearance. If you notice an unpleasant odor or unusual appearance, discard the broth.

Can I freeze the broth?
Yes, you can freeze the broth in small portions using freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little space in the bag for expansion.

How long can the broth be kept?
If stored correctly, the broth can last up to 1 year under ideal conditions.

Personal Note

Homemade tomato broth always brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding me of family moments when each bottle was a little treasure. Don’t forget to enjoy your creation with a glass of ginars (plum brandy), which will perfectly complement the rich aroma of the broth!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work! Enjoy!