Oregano broth

Oregano Broth Recipe - A Winter Delight

Every summer, when tomatoes reach their peak of flavor and aroma, it's the perfect time to prepare an oregano broth that will transform winter meals into true feasts. A recipe passed down through generations, broth is essential in our kitchen, serving as the perfect base for sauces, soups, and even unique cocktails. Let’s discover together the steps to create a delicious broth that will bring summer memories even on the coldest days.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 90-105 minutes
Total time: 120 minutes
Servings: Approximately 10 liters of broth

Ingredients:
- 12 kg of fresh, ripe, and aromatic tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons of pickling salt
- 3 teaspoons of dried oregano
- Clean bottles with caps for preservation

Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
Buy or pick tomatoes from the garden. Choose well-ripened tomatoes with a deep color, as they will give your broth a rich taste and vibrant color. Wash each tomato under a stream of cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Cut them into slices for easier processing.

Step 2: Extracting the tomato juice
Use a tomato juicer to extract the juice. This will separate the pulp from the seeds and skins, giving you clean, concentrated tomato juice. You will obtain about 10 liters of juice, ideal for your broth. If you don’t have a juicer, you can use a blender to puree the tomatoes, followed by straining.

Step 3: Boiling the juice
Place the tomato juice in a large pot with sufficient capacity. Set the pot over low heat, allowing the juice to simmer slowly. It will begin to reduce in volume, concentrating the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Let it boil for about 90 minutes, until the foam on top disappears and the broth thickens.

Step 4: Seasoning
After 90 minutes, add the salt and oregano. These will not only enhance the broth's flavor but also help preserve it. Let the broth simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the spices blend perfectly.

Step 5: Bottling the broth
Prepare the bottles by thoroughly cleaning them with hot water or sterilizing them in the oven. When the broth is ready, carefully pour it into the bottles, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Seal the caps tightly and place the bottles in a warm spot, wrapped in blankets or towels, to allow them to steam for 24 hours. This step is essential for ensuring a proper seal and keeping the broth fresh.

Step 6: Labeling and storing
Once the broth has completely cooled, label each bottle with the preparation date and contents. Store them in the pantry, where they will be handy for winter. Your broth will be perfect for adding flavor to sauces, pasta, soups, or even creative cocktails.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even more concentrated broth, you can let the juice simmer longer, being careful to stir constantly.
- You can experiment with other spices, like basil or hot pepper, to give your broth a personalized touch.
- If you have a smaller quantity of tomatoes, you can proportionally reduce the ingredients while keeping the same preparation technique.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes for this broth?
- While it is recommended to use fresh tomatoes, you can also use canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different.

2. How can I use the broth?
- The broth is versatile; you can use it for sauces, soups, rice dishes, or even to prepare a tomato cocktail.

3. How long can the broth be stored?
- If stored properly, the broth can last up to a year.

4. How can I enhance the broth's flavor?
- Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions during boiling will enrich the broth's flavor.

Suggested pairings:
To complete a meal, serve the broth alongside simple pasta, grated cheese, and fresh basil. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a tomato cocktail will make the meal even more special.

With this simple and delicious oregano broth recipe, you will enjoy the taste of summer even in the midst of winter. Don't forget to add a touch of your heart to each bottle, and your broth will truly be special!