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Aromatic Tomato Preserve: A Winter Delicacy

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, this aromatic tomato preserve is just what you need. Not only will it bring the taste of summer into your winter, but it is also an ideal base for various dishes, such as soups, sauces, or even cocktails like a refreshing Bloody Mary. This traditional tomato preservation recipe will help you enrich your recipes with strong, natural flavors.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 20 servings (depending on bottle size)

Ingredients

- 10 kg large, ripe tomatoes: Choose quality tomatoes, as their taste will significantly influence the final flavor of the sauce. Ripe tomatoes have a higher juice content and a sweeter taste.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Honey not only sweetens but also helps preserve the sauce. Opt for local honey if possible.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Salt is essential for preservation and to enhance flavors. You can use sea salt for a more complex flavor.
- Herbs of your choice:
- Fresh tarragon: Provides a distinct taste and fresh aroma.
- Celery (green stalks with leaves): Adds a slightly earthy and rich flavor.
- Fresh mint: Gives a pleasant fragrance and a note of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes well under running water. Cut them in half or quarters and remove the white part (core). This step is crucial as the core can have a bitter taste.

Step 2: Juice the Tomatoes
Use a juicer to extract the tomato juice. It is important to do this in stages to ensure the juice is efficiently extracted. Add the tomato pieces, and collect the juice in a large pot.

Step 3: Boil the Juice
Place the pot over low heat and let the tomato juice simmer. Add the honey and salt, stirring occasionally. Simmer on low heat for about 2 hours until the juice becomes more concentrated.

Step 4: Add the Herbs
After 2 hours, prepare the herbs: tie them with a cotton string to form a bundle. This will allow you to easily remove them at the end. Add the herb bundle to the pot and continue to simmer for another hour. You will notice that the sauce becomes thicker and more aromatic.

Step 5: Finalize the Preparation
After 3 hours of simmering, you should have a concentrated sauce with a consistency similar to that of a lightly prepared polenta. Turn off the heat and remove the herb bundle.

Step 6: Bottle the Sauce
While the sauce is still hot, pour it into prepared bottles (make sure they are washed and dried). It is recommended to use glass bottles that can be sealed. Seal them well and place them between blankets to cool slowly. This process helps preserve the flavors.

Step 7: Label and Store
The next day, when the bottles are completely cool, label them with the date and contents. You can store the sauce in your pantry, where it will remain good throughout the winter.

Useful Tip
If you want a spicier version, you can add some chili peppers during the simmering. Also, for a more complex flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar in the last minutes of boiling.

Nutritional Benefits
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage. Honey adds additional benefits, having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned tomatoes?
It is not recommended, as the texture and taste will be different. Fresh tomatoes provide a more vibrant flavor.

- How can I use the tomato sauce?
It is perfect for soups, stews, sauces, or even cocktails. You can use it as a base for a delicious pasta sauce.

Serving Suggestions
The flavors of this sauce pair perfectly with a slice of fresh bread and crumbled feta cheese. You can also create a tomato soup with fresh basil added at the end for a quick and comforting meal.

This aromatic tomato preserve recipe will not only fill your pantry with delicious flavors but will also transform every winter meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!