Lecho for winter

Recipe: Lecho for Winter

Lecho is a traditional dish that brings the aroma and taste of summer freshness into your home even during the cold winter months. It is perfect as a standalone dish and as a sauce for pasta, potatoes, and other dishes.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg sweet red peppers
• 1 kg tomatoes
• 500 g onions
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 100 ml vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Spices: paprika, cumin, coriander (optional)

Cooking Steps

1. Blanch the tomatoes, peel them, and dice them finely.
2. Remove seeds from the peppers and cut them into thin strips.
3. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet and sauté the onion until translucent.
5. Add garlic and tomato paste, sauté for a few more minutes.
6. Add the peppers, cook until soft and reduced in volume.
7. Add the diced tomatoes and spices. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
8. Pour the finished lecho into sterilized jars and seal.

Tips

• For a richer aroma, add a bit of fresh basil or oregano before sealing the jars.
• To make the lecho spicier, add a bit of chili pepper or red ground pepper.
• For a richer taste, add some red wine to the lecho before simmering.
• To create a thicker consistency, add some tomato paste or grated cheese.
• To retain the brightness of the vegetable colors, do not overcook them.
• Try adding a bit of honey or brown sugar for a delicate sweetness to the dish.
• To enhance the aroma, toast the spices in a dry skillet before adding to the lecho.
• Serve lecho with grains, rice, or bread for a hearty dinner.
• To retain the brightness and aroma, add a bit of lemon juice at the end of cooking.
• Experiment with different types of peppers and spices to create your unique version of lecho.
• When sealing jars, make sure the lids are airtight to store the product safely.
• Enjoy lecho as a standalone dish or a base for other culinary experiments.

Common Mistakes

• Overdoing the tomato paste can make the lecho too acidic and mask the natural vegetable flavors.
• Prolonged simmering over high heat can lead to a loss of texture and flavor of the vegetables.
• Using overripe or overly soft tomatoes can result in excessive liquid and creaminess to the dish.
• Insufficient simmering of the vegetables can make the lecho raw and insufficiently flavorful.
• Overdoing salt or spices can mask the natural flavors of the vegetables and spices.
• Prolonged simmering over high heat can lead to a loss of texture and freshness of the vegetables.
• Insufficient tomato paste can make the lecho less flavorful and colorful.
• Neglecting to stir during simmering can result in uneven distribution of flavors and aromas.
• Using tangy-tasting tomatoes may require more sugar to balance the taste.
• Overdoing hot paprika or pepper can make the dish too spicy for some tastes.
• Improper sterilization of jars or weakly closed lids can result in spoilage of the product.
• Ignoring ingredient proportions can affect the final taste and texture of lecho.

Fun Facts

• Lecho is a popular dish in the Balkan Peninsula and Eastern European countries.
• Depending on the region, lecho may be more or less spicy and may contain different vegetables and spices.
• Lecho is an excellent way to use surplus vegetables in the season and enjoy their taste even in the winter.
• Lecho can be used as a filling for pies, added to soups, or served with side dishes.
• Colorful peppers can be used in the recipe to give the dish a bright and varied appearance.
• Lecho has counterparts in the cuisines of different countries, such as ajvar (Serbia, Croatia) and malidzhán (Armenia).
• Some recipes add eggs to lecho, giving the dish a richer taste and texture.
• Lecho can be used as a filling for pies, pizza, or sandwiches.
• According to legend, lecho was prepared during the times of the Ottoman Empire and is a popular dish in the Balkan region.
• Meat or sausage can be added to lecho to give the dish a richer protein component.
• Lecho has a relatively long shelf life, making it an excellent option for winter preparation.
• Colorful vegetables can be used in the recipe for a brighter and more appetizing appearance.
• Lecho can be prepared with various spices, allowing for variations in taste and aroma.
• Lecho is a great way to recreate the atmosphere of a warm summer day even in the cold winter months.
• The recipe can be varied by adding other vegetables, such as eggplants or zucchini, for flavor diversity.