Bell pepper paste

The bell pepper paste is a savory and versatile delicacy that enriches any meal with an intense flavor and vibrant color. This traditional recipe is an excellent way to preserve the aroma of summer, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious paste, step by step, to achieve a perfect result.

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

Necessary ingredients:
- 6 kg of bell peppers (uncleaned)
- 2 heaping tablespoons of pickling salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of pepper (optional)
- 2-3 bay leaves

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Washing and cleaning the peppers: Start by washing the bell peppers well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities or residues. After washing, cut off the stems and remove the seeds. This is an essential step to obtain a fine paste.

2. Grinding the peppers: Use a meat grinder or a food processor to turn the cleaned peppers into a fine paste. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender. It’s important not to add water during this process, as you want to achieve a consistent texture.

3. Boiling the paste: Place the pepper paste in a preferably thick-bottomed pot, which is essential. Add the salt and mix well. Now, let the paste simmer on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It is essential to be patient during this step, as all the water must evaporate. This process can take about 30-40 minutes.

4. Adding spices: Once the water has evaporated, add the pepper and bay leaves. Continue cooking the paste for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. These spices will enhance the flavor of the paste. After the time has expired, don’t forget to remove the bay leaves!

5. Preserving: Before putting the pepper paste into jars, make sure they are sterilized. You can do this either by boiling or washing them in a dishwasher at high temperatures. Fill the jars with hot paste and seal them tightly. It is recommended to use small jars to avoid waste and maintain freshness.

6. Cooling and storing: Cover the jars with blankets and let them cool completely for 1-2 days. This step helps to create a vacuum inside the jars. Once they have cooled, store them in a cool, dry place.

Keeping the paste: Once you have opened a jar, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few weeks. The bell pepper paste can last up to 2 years if sealed correctly.

Nutritional benefits: Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, positively impacting the immune system and skin health.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of spices, adding garlic or other herbs to customize the flavor.
- The bell pepper paste pairs excellently with cheeses, on toasted bread, or as an ingredient in pasta sauces.
- Share your result with loved ones and turn it into a culinary gift by beautifully packaging the jars!

Frequently asked questions:
- Why add preservatives?: Preservatives like aspirin help extend the shelf life of the paste, but they are not necessarily required if you follow all sterilization rules.
- Can the bell pepper paste be frozen?: Yes, you can freeze the paste in an airtight container, but the texture may suffer slightly.

This bell pepper paste recipe is not just a way to preserve peppers, but also an opportunity to bring a touch of warmth and joy to every meal. Try making it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors!