Tomato sauce with peppers (for pasta, pizza, steak)

Tomato Sauce with Peppers – A Delicious Recipe for Any Dish!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 jars

In every kitchen, there is that sauce that brings life to your favorite dishes. Tomato sauce with peppers is one of those essential, flavorful, and versatile preparations, perfect for pasta, pizza, or even alongside a juicy steak. This sauce not only adds a splash of flavor but also gives you the opportunity to preserve the taste of summer for the cold winter days. Whether you choose to use it immediately or save it for later, this sauce is an excellent choice!

The history of this sauce is rich in tradition, having gained popularity over the years in kitchens around the world. From fresh, aromatic tomatoes to roasted peppers that add a smoky note, each ingredient contributes to creating a complex and comforting flavor.

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 kg well-ripened tomatoes
- 1 kg peeled roasted peppers
- 3 red onions
- 3 white onions
- 2-3 tender carrots
- 1 head of garlic
- 200 ml olive oil
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 50-60 g raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sweet/spicy smoked paprika
- 2-3 bay leaves

Preparing the sauce:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Start by washing the tomatoes very well. Choose ripe tomatoes, as they will give an intense flavor to your sauce. Remove the skin, either by blanching (quick boiling) or simply peeling with a knife. Once peeled, puree them either with a blender or a tomato separator until you obtain a smooth juice.

2. Boiling the tomato juice:
Place the obtained juice in a large pot, add a pinch of salt and your preferred herbs: a sprig of rosemary or basil and a few crushed garlic cloves. Bring to a boil, letting it simmer for a few minutes until it starts bubbling. After this step, set the pot aside.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
Peel the onion, garlic, and carrots, then cut them into small cubes. In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them until they become translucent, then add the coarsely chopped roasted peppers. Add a little tomato sauce and let the vegetables absorb the flavors.

4. Vegetable paste:
Once the vegetables are ready, puree them finely with a blender, obtaining a smooth paste. Mix this paste with the tomato sauce and put everything back on low heat. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. Seasoning the sauce:
After the sauce has simmered, add salt, sugar, bay leaves, black pepper, and smoked paprika. If you like, you can also add a halved hot pepper for an extra kick. Continue to add a little olive oil, stirring constantly to achieve a creamy and uniform texture.

6. Tasting:
It is important to taste the sauce during cooking. You may need to adjust the spices according to your preferences. Once you are satisfied with the taste, turn off the heat.

7. Preserving the sauce:
Prepare the glass jars, ensuring they are clean. Pour the hot sauce into the jars, wipe the edges to remove any residue, and screw on the lids. Cover the jars with a blanket and let them cool completely until the next day.

8. Adding aspirin:
A personal trick I use is to add a pinch of aspirin to each jar. This may help preserve the sauce, but be sure to research the safety of this method.

Useful tips:

- Choose very ripe tomatoes, as they will provide a much tastier sauce.
- Do not add too much salt from the beginning, as the sauce will reduce and the flavor will intensify the saltiness.
- Experiment with different herbs to customize the sauce according to your preferences.
- This sauce can be stored in the fridge for a few months, but make sure it is well preserved.

Variations of the recipe:

- You can add vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a richer sauce.
- Replace the roasted peppers with hot peppers for a spicy sauce.
- Add olives or capers for a Mediterranean flavor.

Combining the sauce:

This tomato sauce with peppers pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or can be used as a base for various meats. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad and a glass of red wine for a memorable meal.

Nutritional benefits:

Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has beneficial effects on heart health. Carrots also provide vitamin A, while garlic has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Now that you have the complete recipe, all that’s left is to try it! This tomato sauce with peppers will not only transform your meals but will also bring joy to all your loved ones. Happy cooking!