Tomato sauce with bell peppers (for winter)
Tomato Sauce with Peppers for Winter – a wonderful sauce ideal for pizza
Who doesn't love a fragrant, flavorful tomato sauce that transforms a simple pizza into a culinary masterpiece? This tomato sauce recipe with peppers is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for preserving and enjoying throughout the winter. Whether you use it for pizza, pasta, or even as a base for other dishes, this sauce will bring a touch of summer to every meal.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 7 jars of 370 g
Necessary ingredients:
- 3800 g ripe tomatoes (choose seasonal, sweeter tomatoes)
- 1 kg peppers (without stems and seeds)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pickling salt (or to taste)
- 1 sprig of fresh basil
Necessary utensils:
- Food processor
- Blender
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Sterilized jars (370 g)
A brief history of tomato sauce
Tomato sauce is an essential element in the cuisine of many cultures, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Initially used as a base for various dishes, tomato sauce has evolved and adapted, becoming an integral part of many recipes, from pizza to spaghetti. Peppers, with their crunchy texture and natural sweetness, not only add flavor but also a vibrant color to our sauce.
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Wash the tomatoes well, and to make them easier to process, cut them in half. Use a food processor to chop them finely, then transfer them to a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree, without large chunks. This will be the base of your sauce, so make sure it is well blended.
2. Chopping the peppers:
Clean the peppers of stems and seeds, then cut them into larger pieces. Use the food processor again to chop them finely. The peppers add a sweet taste and pleasant texture to the sauce, so make sure they are well chopped.
3. Cooking the peppers:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in a few tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped peppers and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they change color and become slightly soft.
4. Boiling the tomatoes:
In another heavy-bottomed pot, add the previously prepared tomato puree. Let it boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You will want to reduce its volume to about 3/4 of the initial amount, which will take about 30-40 minutes.
5. Combining the ingredients:
Once the tomato puree has reduced, add the sautéed peppers, salt, sugar, bay leaves, and fresh basil. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring every few minutes, until the mixture reduces and reaches the desired consistency (about 1/2 of the initial amount).
6. Preserving the sauce:
Prepare the sterilized jars (you can do this either by boiling or by washing them in the dishwasher at a high temperature). Fill the jars with the hot sauce, seal them tightly with the lids, and cover them with towels or a blanket until the next day. This process will ensure proper preservation of your delicious sauce.
Useful tips:
- Peppers: If you wish, you can replace the peppers with bell peppers or kapia, and for a more intense flavor, you can roast the peppers before adding them to the sauce.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their low water content and sweetness. If you prefer a finer texture, you can pass the tomato puree through a sieve.
- Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the acidity of the tomatoes; taste the sauce during preparation and add sugar to your liking.
- Serving: This sauce is perfect for pizza, pasta, or even as a base for stews. It can also be used as a dip for bread or vegetables.
Nutritional benefits:
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that contributes to heart health and reduces cancer risks. Peppers, on the other hand, are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, essential for a healthy immune system. This sauce will not only enrich your meals but also your health!
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use the sauce on frozen pizza?
Yes, you can use this sauce on frozen pizza, but make sure to warm it up a bit beforehand to avoid affecting the texture of the dough.
- How long can the sauce be stored?
If stored properly, the sauce can last for about 1 year in the pantry. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a few days.
- Can I add other spices?
Sure! You can experiment with herbs like oregano, thyme, or even chili for a spicy sauce.
This tomato sauce recipe with peppers is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor and color! Don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process by choosing the best ingredients and personalizing the recipe according to your preferences. Savor this authentic sauce on your favorite pizza or in combination with other dishes, and let it bring a smile to your face every time you enjoy it!
Ingredients: 3800 g ripe tomatoes 1 kg bell peppers (without stems and seeds) 1-2 bay leaves 3 tbsp sugar 1/2 tbsp salt for pickling 1 sprig of basil
