Vegetables for soups
Vegetable Mix for Soups - Mom's Recipe
Who doesn't remember the enticing aroma of soups cooked with love, using fresh ingredients from grandma's garden? The vegetable mix for soups is an essential ingredient that transforms a simple broth into a delicious and comforting meal. This recipe is a family heirloom, full of flavor and memories, that will take you down the paths of childhood.
Preparation Time:
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5-6 hours (including cooling time)
- Total Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
- Number of Servings: Depends on the quantity prepared, but around 20-25 jars.
Ingredients:
- 8 kg fresh tomatoes (ideally, well-ripened tomatoes)
- 6 kg bell peppers (preferably with a firmer flesh)
- 5-6 large bunches of celery leaves
- 10-12 bunches of fresh parsley
- 8 tablespoons of oil (choose a quality olive oil or sunflower oil)
- 1 packet of preservative (or crushed aspirin for a natural option)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the tomato juice:
- Start by washing the tomatoes well, then remove the stems. Use a special tomato juicer to puree them. This step will make the juice smooth and flavorful.
- Place the obtained juice in a large pot, add the 4 tablespoons of oil, and bring it to a boil. Ideally, simmer for 2 hours and 30 minutes to intensify the flavor. This cooking time will help blend the flavors and achieve a richer texture.
2. Preparing the peppers:
- Wash the peppers well, cut off the stems, and remove the seeds. This is a crucial step, as seeds can ferment the vegetable mix. Slice the peppers and pass them through a meat grinder.
- Place the chopped peppers in a large pot, add the remaining oil, and let them simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The peppers will soften and release their juices.
3. Combining the ingredients:
- Once the peppers have cooked, add the tomato juice over them, allowing everything to simmer together for another 2-3 hours. This is the moment to enjoy the flavors that begin to develop. Add salt to taste, but don't overdo it; you can adjust the salt later.
4. Adding the greens:
- While the pepper and tomato mixture is simmering, wash the greens well. Cut off the dry stems, then chop the celery leaves and parsley using a meat grinder.
- Once the vegetable mix is ready, turn off the heat and add the chopped greens. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
5. Preserving the vegetable mix:
- Let the mixture cool slightly, but not completely. You can use sterilized jars to store the vegetable mix. If you plan to use a preservative, add it now along with the oil on top, which will help with better preservation.
- Fill the jars with the vegetable mix, ensuring no air bubbles remain. Seal them tightly and place them in a cool, dark place.
Practical Tips:
- It is essential not to leave pepper seeds in the mix; otherwise, there is a risk of fermentation, which can compromise the quality of the vegetable mix.
- The oil on top not only helps with preservation but also enhances the flavor of the dish. You can also keep vegetable mix from last year, which will be just as good.
- If you do not wish to use a preservative, crushed aspirin is an excellent alternative, but make sure it is well dissolved in the mixture.
Possible Variations:
- You can add other seasonal vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to diversify the flavor. This can transform your vegetable mix into a delicacy with a unique taste.
- Instead of parsley, you can use dill or basil, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional Benefits:
The vegetable mix for soups is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the tomatoes and fresh greens. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while the greens add a boost of vitamins A and C, essential for the immune system. This combination makes soups cooked with vegetable mix not only tasty but also healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetable mix? Yes, you can freeze the vegetable mix, but it is recommended to use it fresh to preserve the flavors.
- How long can the vegetable mix be stored? If properly preserved, the vegetable mix can be kept for up to a year. Always check the jars for signs of fermentation.
Serving and Combinations:
The vegetable mix for soups can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional soups to light broths. I recommend serving it with a slice of fresh bread or crispy croutons, which will add a delicious texture. A glass of white wine or fresh lemonade can perfectly complement the meal.
In conclusion, this vegetable mix recipe for soups is not just a simple dish but a piece of our culinary tradition. Cooking together with loved ones and enjoying a soup made with fresh vegetable mix is an experience that unites generations. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy the flavors it brings! Happy cooking!
Ingredients: 8 kg tomatoes, 6 kg bell peppers, 5-6 large bunches of celery leaves, 10-12 bunches of parsley, 8 tablespoons of oil, 1 packet of preservative, salt to taste
