Peppers and tomato paste for winter

Pepper and Bell Pepper Paste for Winter: Simple and Delicious Recipe

Who doesn't love the fresh aroma of preserved vegetables that remind us of the warm days of summer? The pepper and bell pepper paste is a traditional recipe, rich in flavors and colors, that can transform any soup or stew into an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is not only an excellent way to preserve the fruits of summer but also an opportunity to create culinary memories for the cold winters.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 1 kg bell peppers
- 1 kg capia peppers
- 2-3 tablespoons coarse salt (to taste)
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Preservative (according to package instructions)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the bell peppers and capia peppers well under cold running water. Make sure to choose firm vegetables, without spots or rotten parts. Remove the stems and seeds, leaving only the flavorful pulp.

2. Chopping the vegetables
Use a food processor or a meat grinder to turn the bell peppers and capia peppers into a paste. If you don't have such a device, you can use a knife to chop them finely, but it will take longer.

3. Cooking the paste
In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pepper and bell pepper paste. Mix well to distribute the oil evenly. Cook the mixture for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You will notice that the paste will begin to thicken and develop an intense aroma.

4. Seasoning
After the paste has cooked for an hour, add the coarse salt. Taste and adjust if necessary. This will help preserve the preparation while giving it a savory flavor.

5. Adding the preservative
Follow the instructions on the package of the chosen preservative. Usually, it is added directly to the hot paste. Mix well to ensure it is evenly distributed.

6. Filling the jars
Prepare clean and dry jars. Use a spoon or ladle to pour the hot paste into each jar, leaving about 1 cm of space to the lid. This will allow the paste to expand during cooling.

7. Sealing the jars
After filling the jars, seal them tightly with the lids. Turn the jars upside down and leave them like that for 5 minutes. This process helps create an effective seal.

8. Cooling the jars
Wrap the jars in a blanket or thick towel and let them cool completely, preferably overnight. This will help the paste stabilize and retain its flavors.

Useful tips

- Choosing vegetables: Choose quality bell peppers and capia peppers, as the flavor of the final preparation depends heavily on them. You can experiment with hot peppers for an extra kick.
- The oil: If you want a more intense flavor, you can use olive oil, but this may slightly change the flavor of the paste.
- The preservative: Make sure to follow the instructions on the preservative package for the best results.
- Cardamom or garlic: If you like, you can add a few cardamom seeds or chopped garlic cloves to enhance the flavor of the paste.

Nutritional benefits

The pepper and bell pepper paste is rich in vitamins A and C, essential for a healthy immune system and healthy skin. Additionally, the vegetables contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can also add other vegetables like eggplants or carrots to diversify the flavor of the paste.

How can I use the pepper and bell pepper paste?
This paste is excellent for enriching soups, stews, or even as a base for sauces. You can use it in sandwiches or as a topping for pizza.

How long can the paste be stored?
If prepared and preserved correctly, the paste can be stored in the pantry for up to 1 year. After opening the jar, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 weeks.

Interesting variations

To give your paste a more exotic taste, you can try adding spices like cumin or coriander. Another option would be to try adding a little sugar to balance the acidity.

Serving

Serve the pepper and bell pepper paste alongside fresh bread or as part of a winter meal, alongside a warm soup. It is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or rice dishes.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! This recipe will not only provide you with a culinary delight but will also bring a touch of sunshine to the cold winter days. Happy cooking!