Tomato juice and sauce

Tomato Juice and Sauce – A Versatile Recipe for a Flavorful Summer

When it comes to preserving tomatoes, there’s nothing more satisfying than making your own tomato juice and sauce. This recipe will not only help you make the most of your garden tomatoes, but it will also provide you with a staple ingredient for numerous delicious dishes. Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 – 4 hours
Total time: 4 – 4.5 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 15 bottles of 500 ml

Ingredients:

- 10 kg of green tomatoes (or ripe tomatoes, depending on your preference)
- 2 kg of red bell peppers
- 2 cups of salt (approximately 400 g)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (approximately 120 g)

A bit of history:

Tomato juice and sauce have been used throughout history in kitchens around the world, becoming essential ingredients in the preparation of iconic dishes. Preserving tomatoes has been an ingenious way to take advantage of the bountiful summer harvests, ensuring a source of nutrients and flavor all year round.

Step by step for perfect tomato juice:

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly to remove any impurities. If you’re using green tomatoes, make sure they are firm but not too green.

2. Separating the juice: Use a juicer to extract the tomato juice. This step is crucial for obtaining a clear and flavorful juice without excessive pulp.

3. Boiling the juice: Place the extracted juice in a large pot, add half the amount of salt and sugar (approximately 200 g of salt and 60 g of sugar). Boil the juice over medium heat for 3 hours or more, until it reduces significantly and becomes more concentrated. You can check the consistency by pouring a few drops on a plate; if it holds its shape, it’s ready.

4. Bottling: Prepare the bottles by washing and sterilizing them. Meanwhile, fill a basin with cold water. When the juice is ready, pour it hot into the bottles using a funnel, then screw on the caps. Wrap the bottles in a blanket and let them cool slowly for 2-3 days.

Making tomato sauce:

1. Reusing the skins: The skins left from juicing should not be thrown away! Use them along with the bell peppers to create a delicious sauce. Wash the peppers well and cut them into large pieces.

2. Grinding: Use a meat grinder to chop the tomato skins and bell peppers. This will add a wonderful texture to your sauce.

3. Boiling the sauce: Place the mixture in a large pot, add salt and sugar to taste. Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic. This process can take between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the amount of liquid in the vegetables.

4. Bottling the sauce: Just like with the juice, prepare the bottles by sterilizing them. Fill them with hot sauce and seal them well. Then, boil the bottles to ensure long-term preservation, and let them cool well wrapped.

Useful tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Use ripe tomatoes for an intense and sweet flavor. The bell peppers should be juicy to add flavor to the sauce.
- Adjusting taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar. Additionally, you can add spices like basil or oregano for a more complex flavor.
- Preservation: Ensure the bottles are well sealed to prevent bacterial growth. It’s best to store them in a cool, dark place.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Both tomato juice and sauce are rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants, making them very beneficial for health. A serving of 100 ml of tomato juice contains approximately 20-30 calories, while tomato sauce, due to the addition of salt and sugar, may have a slightly higher caloric value. Regular consumption of tomatoes can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve skin health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of tomatoes? Yes, you can use any type of tomatoes, but the sweeter ones will provide a better taste.

2. How can I check if the juice or sauce has spoiled? Check for unpleasant odors or color changes. If you notice these signs, discard them.

3. Can I freeze tomato juice? Yes, tomato juice can be frozen, but the texture may change upon thawing.

4. What can I combine tomato sauce with? Tomato sauce is ideal for pasta, pizza, stews, or as a base for soups. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad and a slice of toasted bread.

Serving suggestion:

For a summer meal, serve the tomato juice chilled, with a few fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The tomato sauce can be used as a base for homemade pizza topped with mozzarella cheese and fresh vegetables.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Tomato juice and sauce will surely bring a fresh touch to your kitchen and remind you of warm summer days, even in the middle of winter. Enjoy!