Vegetables for soup (by Oana)

Vegetable Mix for Soup: A Delicious and Practical Recipe

Soup is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dishes in our cuisine. It brings comfort, warmth, and flavor, and an essential ingredient for a tasty soup is the vegetable mix. With this simple and effective vegetable mix recipe for soup, you'll have a preparation that will transform every bowl of soup into a true delicacy. Moreover, the recipe is easy to make, and the result is a preserve that keeps the taste of summer all year round.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 red bell peppers
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- 8 tablespoons oil

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the bell peppers. Rinse each pepper well under cold running water, then cut them in half, remove the seeds and stems, and chop them into small cubes. This technique will not only help distribute the flavors evenly in the soup but also make the vegetable mix easier to consume.

2. Chopping the greens: Wash the parsley and celery under cold water, then chop them finely. These leaves will add a fresh taste and intense aroma to your preparation. Make sure they are well dried before adding them to the mix.

3. Peeling and cutting the tomatoes: Tomatoes can be easily peeled if you blanch them for a few seconds in hot water. After removing them from the water, the skin will come off easily. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes to integrate them perfectly into the vegetable mix.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped peppers, tomatoes, parsley, and celery. Add salt and mix well so that all the salt distributes evenly. This will help preserve and flavor the vegetable mix.

5. Bottling: Using a spoon, fill each jar with the vegetable mix. Make sure to add 2 tablespoons of oil to each jar. The oil will not only help with preservation but will also add a rich flavor to your preparation. Put the lid on each jar and ensure it is tightly closed.

6. Processing: Place the jars in a pot of water, covering them completely. Put the pot over medium heat and let them boil for 2 hours. This processing method will allow the ingredients to combine perfectly and ensure long-term preservation.

7. Cooling: After 2 hours, carefully remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a clean towel. Once they have cooled, you can wrap them in blankets to retain the heat, thus helping with even better preservation.

8. Storing: Once completely cooled, store the jars in the pantry on shelves. This vegetable mix for soup will be ready to transform any soup into a delicious and healthy meal.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or root celery, to add variety to your mix.
- Ensure that the jars are well sterilized before use to prevent any contamination risks.
- If you prefer a slightly spicier taste, you can add some chopped hot peppers to the vegetable mix.

Nutritional benefits:
The vegetable mix for soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Parsley and celery add fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables?: For this recipe, it is recommended to use fresh vegetables to achieve the best flavor, but if you do not have access to them, frozen vegetables can be an acceptable alternative.
- How long can I keep the vegetable mix for soup?: If prepared correctly, the vegetable mix can be kept for 6-12 months.
- How can I use the vegetable mix in other recipes?: Besides soups, the vegetable mix can be used as a base for sauces, stews, or even as a filling for pies.

Possible variations:
- You can add spices like basil, oregano, or thyme to customize the flavor of the vegetable mix.
- If you enjoy a sweeter taste, you can also include carrots in your mix.

This vegetable mix recipe for soup is not only practical but also full of flavor and nutrients. Try it and discover how a simple mix of vegetables can transform every meal into a wonderful culinary experience. Surely, each jar will be a treasure of flavors that you will be delighted to share with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 4 red peppers, 2 green peppers, 2 yellow peppers, 2 tablespoons of coarse salt, green parsley leaves and celery, 1 kg of tomatoes, 8 tablespoons of oil

 Tags:  vegetable canned goods soup