Tomato sauce for soups

Tomato Sauce for Soups – The Perfect Recipe to Preserve the Taste of Summer

When your garden is overflowing with tomatoes, it's the perfect time to whip up a delicious tomato sauce that will enhance the flavor of any soup. This simple yet flavorful recipe will help you transform fresh, aromatic tomatoes into a rich sauce, ideal for use in various dishes. Join me as we discover step by step how to prepare this tomato sauce, which will not only elevate your soups but also fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:
- 3 kg tomatoes (preferably small, but healthy and very sweet)
- 1.5 kg bell peppers (mostly red and Kapia for an intense flavor)
- 1 kg red onions
- 2 heads of garlic
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 4 tablespoons coarse non-iodized salt
- 1 packet of preservative

Necessary utensils:
- A large, spacious pot
- A tomato strainer or food processor
- Wide-mouth bottles for bottling
- A steaming pot (or a large saucepan)

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes well under cold running water. Cut them into quarters, removing any dark or damaged parts. It's important that the tomatoes are as healthy as possible, as they will influence the final flavor of the sauce. If you have meaty tomatoes, they will add a pleasant texture to the sauce.

Step 2: Making the broth
Use the tomato strainer to turn the tomato quarters into a delicious broth. As you extract the broth, pour it into a large pot and bring it to a boil. This will become the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, peel, wash, and slice the bell peppers, red onions, and garlic. Use the same strainer or food processor to create a smooth paste. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your sauce, transforming it into a symphony of tastes.

Step 4: Boiling the mixture
Add the vegetable paste to the pot with the tomato broth, along with the bunches of greens (celery and parsley). Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. It is essential for the sauce to reduce to one-third of its volume to achieve the perfect consistency. So, patience is key here!

Step 5: Seasoning and preserving
After 2 hours, add the salt and a pinch of preservative. These will help preserve the sauce and enhance its flavor. Mix well to ensure the salt dissolves completely.

Step 6: Bottling
Pour the sauce into wide-mouth bottles. It is recommended to use sterilized bottles to prevent any contamination. Steam the sauce for 20 minutes in a pot of water to properly preserve it.

Step 7: Finalizing
Don’t forget to run the leftover tomato skins through the strainer once more. You will get extra juice that can be added to the sauce bottles, maximizing the yield. If your tomatoes are very meaty, you can repeat this process twice.

Serving suggestions and combinations
This tomato sauce is perfect for making various soups, but you can also use it for pasta or other dishes. I recommend serving it with toasted bread croutons or grated cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and practical advice
- You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the vegetable mixture for an even richer sauce.
- If you prefer a spicy sauce, add a bit of finely chopped hot pepper to the mixture.
- Ensure all ingredients are fresh, as their quality will influence the final flavor of the sauce.
- Store the sauce in a cool, dark place for a longer shelf life.

Nutritional benefits
This tomato sauce is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Tomatoes contain lycopene, known for its heart health benefits. Additionally, the bell peppers and greens add essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
While it's possible, the sauce will have a different taste. Fresh tomatoes provide a more intense and natural flavor.

2. How long does the sauce last?
If prepared and preserved correctly, the sauce can last up to a year under proper conditions.

3. Can I add other spices?
Of course! Herbs like basil or oregano can add an extra note of flavor.

So, get ready to enjoy the flavors of summer even on cold winter days! With this recipe, you will always have a delicious tomato sauce on hand, ready to enhance any dish. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the authentic taste of homemade tomato sauce together!