Bell peppers in tomato sauce

Delicious recipe for bell peppers in tomato juice

If you are looking for a simple and effective way to preserve bell peppers for winter, you have come to the right place! This recipe for bell peppers in tomato juice will not only fill your pantry with goodies, but will also add a vibrant touch to your meals, even on the coldest winter days. Preserving vegetables is an old tradition that brings a piece of warm summer to every plate, and I am excited to share my secrets with you.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 400g

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of bell peppers (preferably of different colors for an attractive appearance)
- 2 tablespoons of coarse salt
- 1 liter of tomato juice (preferably homemade, but you can also use store-bought, make sure it is natural)
- Fresh celery leaves (about 5-6 leaves)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the peppers: Start by removing the stems and seeds from the peppers. Wash them well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. This is an essential step to ensure a clean and delicious taste.

2. Blanching the peppers: In a large pot, bring 3 liters of water with 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Blanch the peppers for about 5 minutes. This process will not only improve their texture but will also help preserve their vibrant color.

3. Cooling the peppers: After 5 minutes, remove the peppers from the hot water and transfer them to a bowl of cold water, ideally with ice. This technique is essential to keep the color and maintain the peppers' elasticity, preventing them from breaking during the preservation process.

4. Preparing the jars: While the peppers cool, prepare the jars. Place a few celery leaves at the bottom of each jar to add a pleasant aroma.

5. Filling the jars: Carefully arrange the peppers in the jars, making sure to arrange them nicely. Fill the jars with tomato juice, leaving a small margin at the top to avoid overflow during boiling. If the tomato juice is too thick, you can dilute it slightly with a little water until it reaches the desired consistency.

6. Removing air: Use a spatula or knife to remove any air bubbles from the jars, ensuring that the vegetables are completely covered by the juice.

7. The lid: Place half a pepper on top to act as a natural lid, then screw the lids on tightly.

8. Boiling the jars: Place the jars in a large pot of water that completely covers them. Boil the jars for 30 minutes, starting from the moment the water begins to boil. This step will ensure proper sealing of the jars.

9. Cooling the jars: After boiling, let the jars cool in the water or you can wrap them in a blanket to maintain the temperature. This process will help create an effective vacuum.

10. Storage: Once the jars have completely cooled, store them in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry. Bell peppers in tomato juice can be kept for several months, so you can enjoy the taste of summer even in the middle of winter!

Practical tips:

- Choose quality peppers: Make sure the peppers are healthy, without spots or damage. Fresh peppers will give the best taste.
- Customize the tomato juice: You can add spices to the tomato juice, such as basil or oregano, for an extra flavor boost.
- Care for the jars: Ensure that the jars and lids are perfectly clean and sterilized before use to prevent contamination.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant. Cooking time may vary, so adjust it accordingly.
- How can I use the preserved peppers? Bell peppers in tomato juice are wonderful in salads, pizza, pasta, or as a side dish for various dishes.
- How many calories are in a serving? A serving of preserved peppers in tomato juice has about 40 calories, making it a healthy and filling option.

Possible variations:

- Add garlic: For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few cloves of garlic between the peppers.
- Spicy variations: If you like spicy food, you can add hot peppers to the jars for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving suggestion: Serve the peppers with a slice of toasted bread and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious snack or add them to a Mediterranean salad for a healthy lunch.

Now that you know all the secrets to preparing bell peppers in tomato juice, all that’s left is to get started. Remember, each step is an opportunity to express your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!