Whole tomatoes in tomato paste and peppers

Summer Indulgence: Whole Tomatoes in Tomato and Pepper Paste

Total Time: 1 day (including preparation and cooling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Storage Time: 10 minutes
Number of Servings: Variety of jars, depending on their size

Who doesn't love the fresh and vibrant taste of preserved tomatoes? This simple and effective recipe for whole tomatoes in tomato and pepper paste is perfect for preserving the essence of summer even on colder days. Whether you use them for making sauces, soups, or simply as a garnish, these tomatoes will bring a touch of sunshine to your plate.

A Brief History of Canned Tomatoes

Preserving vegetables is an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years. This method was developed to extend the shelf life of fresh products while also providing a way to enjoy the flavors of the season out of season. Tomatoes, in particular, are very versatile and can be preserved in many ways, but the combination with peppers adds a note of complexity and depth to the flavor, turning each jar into a true delight.

Ingredients

- 2 kg of firm, smaller tomatoes (ideally garden tomatoes, which have a more intense flavor)
- Tomato paste with peppers (enough to cover the tomatoes, prepared a day in advance)
- Preservative (optional, depending on the composition of the tomato paste)

Preparing the Tomato and Pepper Paste

If you don’t have tomato paste with peppers prepared, don’t worry. Here’s a quick recipe:

1. Ingredients for the paste:
- 1 kg of ripe tomatoes
- 2-3 peppers, preferably red or green
- 1 onion
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil

2. Preparation method:
- Wash the tomatoes and peppers, then chop them into cubes.
- In a pan, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
- Add the tomatoes and peppers, mixing well. Add salt to taste.
- Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- Allow to cool, then blend everything until you obtain a smooth paste.

The Preservation Procedure

Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the final step of preserving the tomatoes!

1. Prepare the Jars:
- Wash the jars and lids well, then sterilize them in the oven at 100°C for 10 minutes. Let them cool slightly.

2. Wash the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes under cold water and let them drain well to eliminate excess water.

3. Arranging the Tomatoes in Jars:
- Carefully place the tomatoes in the jars without pressing them. It is important to keep their shape intact for a pleasant appearance.

4. Adding the Tomato Paste:
- Pour the tomato and pepper paste over the tomatoes, ensuring that all the tomatoes are well covered. A useful trick is to give the jars a little twist on the table to fill all the gaps with paste.

5. Boiling the Jars:
- In a wider pot, place a towel at the bottom to avoid the jars clinking together. Fill the pot with water up to the neck of the jars.
- Put the pot on low heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the water reaches a boiling point. Then, turn off the heat, cover the pot with towels, and leave it like that until the next day.

6. Cooling and Storing:
- The next day, take out the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Once they are completely cool, you can store them in your pantry, where they will be ready to use anytime.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to add a distinct note to the tomato paste.
- Preservatives: If you use preservatives, follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure proper preservation.
- Punctured Tomatoes: Some people choose to puncture the tomatoes to prevent bursting. Personally, I have not encountered issues without this method, but if you prefer, feel free to puncture them.

Nutritional Benefits

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Consuming tomatoes can contribute to healthy skin and improve heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use overripe tomatoes?
- It is recommended to use firm tomatoes to avoid damage during the preservation process.

2. How can I use these preserved tomatoes?
- Tomatoes in tomato and pepper paste are excellent in sauces, soups, stews, or even as a garnish.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the jars?
- Sure! You can experiment with zucchini or eggplant, but make sure that the boiling time is sufficient to preserve them properly.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the preserved tomatoes alongside feta cheese and arugula salad, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. A delicious and comforting combination!

These whole tomatoes in tomato and pepper paste will not only enrich your meals but also bring back summer memories, even on the coldest winter days. So, don’t wait any longer! Prepare this tasty recipe today and keep the joy of summer in every jar.