Garden Tomato Broth

Garden Tomato Purée – A Delight of Authentic Flavor

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 bottles of 500 ml

There are moments when the taste of summer is so intense that it seems to follow us even on the coldest winter days. Garden tomato purée is one of those dishes that not only takes us back to sunny days but also enriches our meals with a touch of freshness and flavor. Besides being a simple recipe, it is also an excellent way to preserve delicious garden tomatoes, turning them into an essential ingredient for various culinary preparations.

Necessary ingredients

- 5-6 kg of meaty and juicy tomatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
- Oil for preservation (optional)

The history of tomato purée

Tomato purée has a rich and fascinating history, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Used for centuries as a method of preservation, purée has become a staple ingredient in numerous recipes, from soups to sauces. This simple and delicious recipe reminds us of summer spent in the garden, picking ripe and aromatic tomatoes.

Ingredient details

- Tomatoes: Choose meaty and juicy tomatoes, preferably from the garden or market. Roma tomatoes are excellent due to their low water content and intense flavor. Make sure they are well-ripened to achieve a rich and aromatic purée.

- Salt: Salt not only helps preserve the purée but also enhances the natural flavor of the tomatoes. It is recommended to use coarse salt, which dissolves more easily and contains no additives.

- Sugar: Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, providing a pleasant taste. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences and the acidity of the tomatoes.

- Oil: Adding oil on top of the purée before sealing helps form a barrier against air, protecting the purée from contamination and spoilage.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes well under running water to remove impurities. Cut them into large pieces and pass them through a tomato separator to extract the juice. If you don’t have a separator, you can use a blender, but make sure to puree the tomatoes well.

2. Boiling the juice: Place the extracted juice in a cast-iron pot over medium heat. Add the salt and sugar, stirring well. Let the purée simmer. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Reducing the purée: Boil the purée until it reaches the desired consistency. This can take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on how thick you want it. A basic rule is that the purée should have a consistency similar to tomato sauce.

4. Bottling the purée: When you consider that the purée has reduced enough, turn off the heat and prepare the bottles. They should be clean and dry. Fill the bottles with hot purée, leaving a little space at the top.

5. Sealing: Pour a splash of hot oil over the purée to form a barrier. Cover the bottles with plastic wrap or seal them tightly with lids. Cover them with a blanket and let them cool until the next day.

Practical tip

If you want to experiment with flavors, add some herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme during boiling. These will add an extra note of flavor to the purée. Also, don’t forget to check the taste of the purée before sealing; adjust the salt and sugar according to personal preferences.

Combinations and serving suggestions

Tomato purée is extremely versatile and can be used in numerous recipes. Here are some suggestions:

- Use it as a base for delicious soups, adding fresh vegetables and spices.
- Add it to pasta dishes to create savory sauces.
- Try it as an ingredient in rice or quinoa dishes to add a deep flavor.

Nutritional values

Tomato purée is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, contributing to strengthening the immune system. Additionally, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a compound associated with numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned tomatoes?
While it is recommended to use fresh tomatoes, you can also use canned tomatoes if others are not available. Make sure they are of high quality.

2. How long does preserved purée last?
If prepared and sealed correctly, tomato purée can last up to a year in the pantry.

3. How can I tell if the purée has spoiled?
If you notice a change in color, an unpleasant smell, or mold on the lid, you should discard the purée.

4. Can I freeze the purée?
Yes, tomato purée can be frozen in airtight containers, making sure to leave a little space for expansion.

Garden tomato purée is a recipe that not only enriches our meals but also reminds us of the warm and colorful summer. So, get ready to be inspired by natural flavors and transform fresh tomatoes into a delicacy that will add flavor and joy to every meal!