Capia pepper and gogoșar paste

Red Pepper and Bell Pepper Paste

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12 jars (depending on their size)

Discover the delicious magic of a red pepper and bell pepper paste, a dish that will add flavor and color to your table. This traditional recipe, rich in vitamins and nutrients, is perfect for adding to stews, roasts, or even as a dip on toasted bread. With a sweet and sour taste, this paste is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients
- 3 kg red peppers
- 3 kg bell peppers
- 3 kg tomatoes
- 1 kg red onions
- 6-8 tablespoons of non-iodized salt (adjustable to taste)

Necessary utensils
- Food processor or meat grinder
- Stainless steel pot
- Glass jars or bottles with airtight lids
- Oven

Preparation

1. Preparing the vegetables
Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Wash them well under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Cut the red peppers and bell peppers in half, and the tomatoes and onions into larger pieces to facilitate the chopping process.

2. Chopping the vegetables
Using a food processor or meat grinder, chop all the vegetables until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Make sure they are not too finely chopped, as a slightly thicker texture will add character to the paste.

3. Cooking the paste
Pour the vegetable mixture into a stainless steel pot. Add the salt, adjusting the amount according to your preferences. It is important not to exceed 8 tablespoons, as too much salt can make the paste too salty. Place the pot on low heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated. This process can take about 1 hour. Make sure to stir regularly to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Filling the jars
When the paste is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Using a spoon or ladle, fill the jars or bottles with the pepper paste, leaving a small space at the top of the container for expansion. Close the airtight lid to prevent any contamination.

5. Sterilization
Preheat the oven to 100 degrees Celsius. Place the filled jars in the oven, but without turning it on (the oven should only be warm). Let them sit in the oven for about 30 minutes to sterilize. This step is essential to keep the paste fresh and safe for consumption.

6. Cooling and storage
After the sterilization time has elapsed, remove the jars from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place, ideal for keeping them fresh for a longer period.

Serving suggestions and combinations
The red pepper and bell pepper paste is versatile and can be used in numerous dishes. You can add it to meat stews, use it as a base for sauces, or simply serve it as a dip alongside toasted bread. It also pairs wonderfully with fine cheeses or as a filling for sandwiches.

Nutritional benefits
This paste is full of vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the fresh vegetables used. Red peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, while tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Red onions are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this paste a healthy choice to enhance your diets.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! You can experiment with other vegetables, such as eggplants or carrots, to add different flavors to your paste.

2. How can I tell if the paste is well sterilized?
Check if the lid of the jars is airtight. If you hear a "click" when pressing the center of the lid, it means the paste is well sealed.

3. How long can the paste be stored?
If properly sterilized, the paste can be stored for up to a year. Make sure to store it in a dark and cool place.

Possible variations
For a spicier taste, you can add hot peppers or spices like black pepper or sweet paprika. Additionally, a teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the sweetness of the paste.

This red pepper and bell pepper paste recipe is not only simple and quick but also full of flavor and color, bringing a touch of tradition and good taste to every jar. So, embrace the joy of cooking and enjoy this delicacy at home!