Tomatoes in broth

The red indulgence of summer: Tomatoes in sauce

Who doesn't love the fresh taste of tomatoes? These little red treasures not only add a splash of color to the plate, but they are also an excellent source of nutrients. Preparing tomatoes in sauce is a traditional preservation method that allows us to enjoy the flavor of summer even on cold winter days. So, get ready to transform your garden or market tomatoes into jars full of flavor!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Sterilization time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 1 liter

Ingredients:

- 20 kg of fresh, ripe tomatoes (choose tomatoes with a firm texture)
- Salt (about 20 heaping tablespoons)
- Sterilized glass jars (make sure they have airtight lids)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Start by washing the tomatoes under a stream of cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Then let them drain well on a rack or in a colander. It is essential that the tomatoes are as dry as possible to prevent bacterial growth in the jars.

2. Sterilizing the jars:
Meanwhile, wash the jars with warm water and detergent, then rinse them well. Sterilize them either in a preheated oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or by boiling in water for 10 minutes. After sterilization, let the jars drain but do not dry them with a towel, as they need to remain sterile.

3. Placing the tomatoes in jars:
Fill the jars with tomatoes, placing them carefully to avoid breaking. If desired, you can cut the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on your preferences. Leave about 2 cm of space above the tomatoes to allow for sauce expansion.

4. Preparing the sauce:
Using a tomato separator (or a blender), process the remaining tomatoes to obtain a thick sauce. It is important for the sauce to be slightly saltier than normal, so add about a heaping tablespoon of salt for every liter of sauce. The taste of the sauce should be slightly salty but not excessive.

5. Filling the jars with sauce:
Pour the obtained sauce over the tomatoes in the jars, ensuring you completely cover the tomatoes, again leaving about 2 cm of space above. This step is essential to prevent the tomatoes from spoiling during storage.

6. Closing the jars:
Place the lids on the jars and tighten them well, but do not close them completely. This will allow air to escape during the sterilization process.

7. Sterilization in a water bath:
Fill a large pot with water and place the jars with tomatoes inside. Ensure the water covers the jars up to about 2/3 of their height. Bring the water to a boil and sterilize the jars for 25 minutes, starting to count the time from when the water begins to boil. This will ensure long-term preservation of the tomatoes.

8. Cooling and storing:
Once the sterilization time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water (use gloves to avoid burns) and place them on a clean towel at room temperature to cool completely. After they have cooled, check the seal of the lids. If a lid did not seal properly, use that jar immediately.

Practical tips:

- Choose high-quality tomatoes, preferably from fresh batches, to obtain a flavorful sauce.
- If you want a spicier sauce, add some chopped hot peppers to the tomato sauce.
- Experiment with spices: basil, oregano, or thyme can add extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, as well as lycopene, a compound beneficial for heart health. They can help improve skin health and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of tomatoes? Yes, you can also use cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, but the taste and texture may vary.
- Can I add other vegetables or herbs? Sure! Onions, carrots, or aromatic herbs can enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- How long can I keep the jars? If properly sterilized, the jars can be kept for a year in a cool, dark place.

Delicious combinations:
Tomatoes in sauce are perfect for use in soups, pasta sauces, or as a base for stews. Serve them alongside a slice of toasted bread or with feta cheese and fresh basil for a delicious appetizer.

I hope this recipe inspires you to fill your pantry with summer flavors! Cooking tomatoes in sauce is not just a way to preserve but also an opportunity to create memories around the table. So gather family and friends, and enjoy every step of this culinary adventure!