Pepper paste with tomatoes

Pepper and Tomato Paste - Autumn Recipe for a Delicious Preserve

Autumn is the perfect season to stock up your pantry with goodies, and pepper and tomato paste is a classic recipe, full of flavor and versatility. This paste will not only add a splash of color to your dishes but is also an excellent way to preserve the taste of fresh vegetables for the cold winter days. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: about 10 jars of 400g

Ingredients

- 20 red bell peppers (about 2 kg) - choose ripe and meaty peppers for a more intense flavor
- 2 kg ripe tomatoes - seasonal tomatoes are essential for a rich and flavorful juice
- Salt to taste - use sea salt or non-iodized salt for a purer taste
- 1 aspirin per 1 kg of liquid (optional, for preservation)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by washing the peppers and tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities.

Step 2: Blanch the tomatoes
Put a large pot of water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the tomatoes for about 2-3 minutes. This blanching process will make the skins come off much easier.

Step 3: Peel the tomatoes
After blanching, remove the tomatoes from the water using a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly. Then, peel off the skins. Now, you can puree them with a blender or food processor until you get a smooth puree. If you prefer a thinner texture, you can strain the puree to obtain just the juice.

Step 4: Prepare the peppers
Remove the stems and seeds from the peppers, then chop them finely or grind them in a meat grinder. Place the chopped peppers in a large pot, add the tomato juice obtained, and mix well.

Step 5: Cook the paste
Put the pot on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency. If you want a smoother paste, you can use the blender to achieve a texture similar to tomato puree.

Step 6: Seasoning
Add salt to taste. It is advisable to start with a small amount, as you can adjust the flavor later.

Step 7: Preservation
In a small bowl, add as many aspirin as liters of tomato juice you have obtained. Pour the pepper and tomato paste over the aspirin and mix well until completely dissolved. Then, pour the aspirin mixture over the entire amount of paste.

Step 8: Bottling
Prepare clean and dry jars or bottles. Fill them with the pepper paste, leaving a few centimeters of space at the top. Put on the lid and make sure it is tightly closed.

Step 9: Storage
Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store them in the pantry, in a cool and dark place.

Useful tips

- Choosing ingredients: Choose ripe, seasonal peppers and tomatoes. The final taste of the paste will depend on the quality of the vegetables used.
- Texture: If you prefer a chunky paste, you can skip the final pureeing.
- Variations: You can add spices like basil, oregano, or even a dash of hot pepper for extra flavor.
- Serving: Pepper and tomato paste is perfect for use as a base for sauces, as a filling for sandwiches, or even as an accompaniment for grilled meats.

Nutritional information

Pepper and tomato paste is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, and antioxidants thanks to the fresh vegetables. It is also low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of peppers, such as green or yellow ones, but red bell peppers offer the best flavor.

2. Is the use of aspirin necessary?
Aspirin helps preserve the paste, but it is not mandatory. You can opt for other preservation methods, such as sterilizing the jars.

3. How can I use the pepper and tomato paste?
This paste is versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as soups, stews, sauces, or even as a filling for pastries.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! Pepper and tomato paste is a simple and satisfying recipe that will fill your pantry with autumn flavors. Enjoy!