Zucchini in tomato sauce for winter

Recipe: Zucchini in Tomato Sauce for Winter

Zucchini in Tomato Sauce for Winter is a delicious and versatile dish that can be prepared in the winter to enjoy the taste of summer in the cold season. Zucchini harmonize perfectly with tomatoes, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg zucchini
• 800 g ripe tomatoes (or tomato paste)
• 2 large onions
• 4-5 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried
  basil

  Basil is a fragrant herb with bright green leaves and a flavor reminiscent of cloves and mint. It is often used in Italian cuisine, especially in sauces, pasta, salads, and pizza.

• 1 teaspoon dried
  oregano

  Oregano is a fragrant herb commonly used in cooking. Its leaves have a herbaceous taste with subtle citrus notes. Oregano is often added to Italian dishes, pizzas, sauces, soups, and meat dishes to enhance flavor and aroma.

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Steps

1. Wash the zucchini, peel them (optional), and slice them into rings or half-rings.
2. Finely chop the onions, mince the garlic.
3. Heat a little oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
4. Add the zucchini and cook with the onions for 5-7 minutes until they become soft but not mushy.
5. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water, peel off the skin, chop and blend them.
6. Add the tomatoes (or tomato paste) to the zucchini, along with all the spices, salt, and sugar.
7. Cook everything together over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes.
8. Ladle the ready dish into sterilized jars and seal.

Tips

• For a thicker sauce, you can add a little tomato paste or concentrated tomato juice.
• If you like heat, add some ground red pepper or chili pepper to taste.
• To maintain the texture of the zucchini, do not overcook them. They should be soft but still have some firmness.
• For a smoother sauce, use a blender or puree the tomatoes before adding them to the zucchini.
• If desired, add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end of cooking for extra flavor.
• To enhance the flavor of the dish, you can add a little fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the sauce.
• Before pouring the dish into sterilized jars, make sure they are heated, for example, you can hold them in a hot oven or dip them in hot water.
• If you want to give the sauce a richer color, add a little turmeric, but be careful not to overdo it.
• For a more intense aroma, cook the zucchini in tomato sauce over low heat slightly longer to infuse them with the spices and tomato aromas.
• To preserve the freshness and flavor of the zucchini, do not overload the sauce with too many spices. The optimal combination will add depth of flavor without overpowering the main ingredient.
• If you want to give the sauce a richer red color, you can add a bit of tomato paste along with ripe tomatoes.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the zucchini for too long can make them too soft and mushy.
• Insufficient amount of spices can result in a dish that lacks aroma.
• Overdoing it with salt and sugar can overpower other flavors in the dish. Add them gradually, adjusting to taste.
• Overcooking the zucchini can lead to them becoming mushy and losing their texture.
• Using low-quality or unwashed jars can affect the quality of storage and preservation of the dish.
• Insufficient amount of spices can make the sauce too simple and dull, so don't be afraid to experiment.
• Excessive sugar can make the dish too sweet and overpower the natural flavors of the zucchini and tomatoes.
• Using low-quality or spoiled ingredients can affect the final result and storage of the dish.

Fun Facts

• Zucchini absorb flavors and tastes well, making them a great ingredient for preparing winter dishes.
• Zucchini in tomato sauce for winter can be used as a side dish, added to pasta, stews, or soups.
• Tomatoes in the dish enrich it with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Zucchini are low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and light ingredient for winter preparations.
• The tomato sauce in this dish not only adds aroma and flavor but also enriches it with lycopene – a powerful antioxidant that may have positive health effects.
• Zucchini for winter is a great way to preserve the taste of summer and create an amazing dish to enjoy even in the cold season.
• Zucchini is a vegetable high in water content, making it an ideal ingredient for preservation.
• Tomatoes and zucchini have a neutral taste, allowing them to pair well with a variety of spices and seasonings.
• Zucchini in tomato sauce can be a wonderful addition to pasta or rice, as well as used as a filling for pies or pancakes.
• Zucchini are a good source of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Zucchini in tomato sauce for winter can be a great way to add variety to everyday meals and create delicious snacks and side dishes.
• This recipe can also be a great base for experiments. Try adding your favorite spices and ingredients to give the dish your unique touch.