Tomatoes for winter

Recipe: Tomatoes for Winter

Tomatoes for winter is a great way to enjoy the vibrant flavors and aromas of this vegetable even in the cold season. They can be used in salads, sauces, soups, and other dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 kg ripe tomatoes
• 2-3 onions
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 100 ml vegetable oil
• 100 ml vinegar (optional)
• Spices: bay leaf, black peppercorns, cloves (to taste)

Cooking Steps

1. Blanch the tomatoes, peel them, and cut them into cubes or slices.
2. Slice the onions, finely chop the garlic.
3. Heat the oil in a deep skillet, sauté the onions until golden brown.
4. Add the garlic and cook together for a few minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes to the skillet, add salt, sugar, spices, and mix.
6. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a sauce.
7. Add vinegar for additional acidity and aroma (optional).
8. Pour the tomato preserves into sterilized jars and seal with lids.

Tips

• Use ripe but firm tomatoes for a more intense flavor in the preserves.
• Add a bit of honey or mustard powder for a richer aroma and flavor.
• Experiment with different spices, such as thyme or basil, for variety.
• Slice the tomatoes evenly for even cooking.
• Season the eggplants before cooking to remove excess liquid.
• Add gooseberries or rhubarb for a special tanginess and interesting flavor to the preserves.
• Slice the tomatoes into rings or half rings for textural variety.
• In addition to vegetable oil, you can use olive oil for a richer flavor.
• If you want the preserves to be less acidic, reduce the amount of vinegar or exclude it altogether.
• Make sure the jars are well sterilized and tightly sealed to prevent spoilage of the product.

10 Common Mistakes

• Using overripe tomatoes can make the preserves too watery.
• Overcooking the tomatoes can lead to a loss of texture and color vibrancy.
• Overdoing it with salt can overpower the natural taste of the tomatoes.
• Not removing the tomato skins can give the preserves an unnecessary toughness.
• Ignoring the sugar can make the preserves too acidic.
• Skipping the step of sautéing the onions and garlic can decrease the aroma and flavor of the preserves.
• Overdoing the sugar can result in an overly sweet dish.
• Inadequate stirring during cooking can lead to uneven distribution of flavor and spices.
• Using heavily flavored spices can overshadow the natural taste of the tomatoes.
• Inadequate sterilization of jars and lids can result in spoilage of the product.

Interesting Facts

• Tomatoes were first discovered and utilized in Central and South America.
• There is a huge variety of tomato cultivars, ranging from miniature to large.
• Tomatoes have been grown in space as part of an experiment aboard the International Space Station.
• Lycopene is an antioxidant found in tomatoes that gives them their red color and is considered beneficial for health.
• Tomatoes are used in a wide range of dishes in different cultures, from Italian pasta to Indian curries.
• Tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.
• In some countries, like Spain, they celebrate Tomato Day, during which tomato fights and festivals are held.
• Raw tomatoes were considered poisonous in Europe in the 18th century, as they belong to the nightshade family, which can be toxic.
• Tomatoes can come in different colors, including red, yellow, orange, green, and even black.
• The tomato family also includes peppers, eggplants, and potatoes.