Tomato broth

Tomato Broth Recipe – A Treasure of Flavor and Color

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 5 liters of broth

Tomato broth is an essential base in many households' kitchens, with a rich history and being a versatile ingredient in making sauces, soups, stews, or even pizza recipes. This simple and quick recipe will help you transform ripe tomatoes into the elixir that will enrich your meals throughout the winter.

Ingredients:

- 5 kg of very ripe tomatoes (choose quality tomatoes with an intense flavor)
- Salt and sugar to taste (recommended: sea salt and brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 packet of preservative (usually citric acid or broth preservative)

Ingredient tips:

- Choose tomatoes that are well-ripened with a vibrant color. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for broth due to their low water content and intense flavors.
- Check the tomatoes for any blemishes or woody parts and remove them. This detail is crucial to ensure a smooth texture and pure flavor.

Step by step in preparing the tomato broth:

1. Preparing the bottles: Start by thoroughly washing the bottles you will use for bottling. Once cleaned, place them in the oven at about 100 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes to sterilize. It is important that the bottles are warm when you fill them with broth to prevent cracking.

2. Preparing the tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes under a stream of cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Cut them in half or quarters, depending on size, and remove the woody core.

3. Grinding the tomatoes: Use a tomato mill or blender to turn the tomatoes into puree. Make sure there are no large chunks left, as we want a smooth broth.

4. Boiling the broth: Pour the tomato puree into a deep pot and place it over high heat. Stir constantly to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the broth starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer slowly.

5. Removing the foam: During boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface. Use a spoon or skimmer to remove the foam, as it can affect the final appearance of the broth.

6. Adjusting the taste: After about 40-50 minutes, the broth will start to thicken. Add salt and sugar to taste. It is important to taste constantly to achieve a perfect balance between the acidity of the tomatoes and the sweetness of the sugar.

7. Adding the preservative: Dissolve a packet of preservative in a little hot broth and add it to the pot. This step will ensure better preservation of the broth in the long term.

8. Finalizing the process: Let the broth come to a few boils, stirring gently to mix the ingredients.

9. Bottling: Use a ladle to pour the hot broth into the sterilized bottles. Fill them almost to the top, leaving a little space for expansion.

10. Cooling: Cover the bottles with blankets to allow the broth to cool slowly. This step will help create a natural vacuum in the bottles, thus prolonging the shelf life.

11. Storing: Once the bottles have completely cooled, store them in cool, dark places, preferably in a pantry or cellar.

Serving suggestions and variations:

- Tomato broth is perfect as a base for soups or sauces. You can combine it with aromatic herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavors.
- A delicious idea is to add the broth to pasta recipes to create a simple yet tasty sauce. Add garlic, onion, and fresh vegetables for a special dish.
- If you want to experiment, try adding bell peppers or carrots to the tomato puree for a broth with a more complex taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How long can tomato broth be kept? If stored properly, broth made with preservative can last up to 1 year.

2. Can I use canned tomatoes? Although fresh tomatoes provide a better taste, canned tomatoes can be used, but the result will be different.

3. Can I thicken the broth more? Yes, if you want a thicker broth, let it boil longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Absolutely! This recipe is 100% vegan and healthy.

Nutritional benefits:

Tomato broth is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and lycopene, a compound that helps protect the body from various ailments. It is also low in calories, making it an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Enjoy this classic recipe and turn each serving into delicious memories to savor on chilly days!