Pepper paste with tomatoes

Pepper and Tomato Paste: A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Do you want to bring a splash of color and flavor to your dishes? Pepper and tomato paste is the perfect solution! This aromatic and rich sauce not only enhances meat dishes but can also be used as a delicious side. It’s a simple recipe but with a remarkable impact, perfect for making in large quantities and storing for those moments when you need a quick and tasty ingredient. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Ingredients:
- 20 red bell peppers
- 2 kg tomatoes
- Salt to taste (recommended: 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1 aspirin per kg of liquid

Steps to Prepare:

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing the peppers and tomatoes well. Make sure to remove any impurities, as the quality of the ingredients will influence the final flavor. Choose sweet, meaty red bell peppers and well-ripened tomatoes for a vibrant sauce.

Step 2: Blanching the Tomatoes
Put a pot of water to boil. When the water starts to boil, add the tomatoes for a few minutes until the skin begins to crack. This process is called blanching and helps to remove the skins of the tomatoes much easier. After a few minutes, take the tomatoes out and place them in a bowl of cold water.

Step 3: Peeling the Tomatoes
Once they have cooled, easily remove the skins. Now, cut the tomatoes in half and prepare them for the blender. This is the perfect time to use a good-quality blender that will turn the tomatoes into a fine puree.

Step 4: Preparing the Peppers
Meanwhile, clean the peppers of stems and seeds, then chop them into large pieces. You can use a food processor or a meat grinder to achieve a smooth paste. Here, you can give them a special flavor by adding herbs like basil or oregano if you enjoy a more complex taste.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients
In a large pot, add the chopped peppers and the tomato juice obtained. Put the pot on low heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally so that the paste doesn’t stick. Continue to cook until the mixture becomes thick and consistent, usually between 30-60 minutes, depending on the amount of water in the tomatoes.

Step 6: Seasoning
Add salt to taste. I recommend not overdoing it with the salt, as the paste can be used in various dishes, and a balanced taste is ideal.

Step 7: Preserving the Paste
To preserve the sauce, place an aspirin in each small bowl for every kilogram of liquid. Mix well so that the aspirin dissolves completely. Then, pour the pepper and tomato paste into clean, dry jars or bottles. Seal them well with lids and store them in the pantry. This sauce can be kept for several months, providing you with an ingredient ready to use whenever you need.

Chef's Tip
If you want to further enrich the flavor of your paste, you can add spices like black pepper or chili flakes, depending on your preferences. Also, for a touch of creativity, you can add a little sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Delicious Combinations
Pepper and tomato paste pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Use it as a base for a pasta sauce, alongside grilled meat, or as a side for grilled vegetables. It’s also perfect to accompany cheeses or fresh bread, turning a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits
This sauce not only brings flavor but is also an excellent source of vitamins. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while bell peppers contribute fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin A. Thus, pepper and tomato paste is not just a condiment but also a nutritional supplement for your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of peppers? Certainly! You can experiment with sweet peppers or even hot peppers, depending on your preferences.
- How can I tell if the paste is ready? Cook it until the consistency is similar to that of pizza sauce. It should be thick enough not to run off a spoon.
- Is aspirin necessary for preservation? It’s not the only option; you can also use natural preservatives or traditional preservation methods, such as sterilizing jars.

Personal Note
This pepper and tomato paste recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who always used it during the summer season when the vegetables were at their peak. I remember how she gathered us all around the table, sharing stories of old times while offering us a slice of bread with her delicious sauce. I encourage you to share this dish with your loved ones and create beautiful memories around the table.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Pepper and tomato paste will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy your meal!