A Taste of Summer: Homemade Tomato Preserve Recipe

For those who miss the fresh, fragrant taste of summer tomatoes during the colder months, here’s a wonderful solution: homemade tomato preserve. Preparing this preserve yourself means you get a healthy, additive-free product that will add a fantastic flavor to your meals. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy and practical.

Ingredients

10 kg of ripe, fleshy, and juicy tomatoes

Half a bunch of fresh basil (optional)

3-4 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly in plenty of water. After cleaning any bruised or rotten parts, peel the skin. For easy peeling, you can blanch the tomatoes by immersing them in boiling water for about a minute. The skins will come right off.

2. Cook the Tomatoes: Roughly chop the tomatoes and place them in a large pot. Don’t discard the liquid that accumulates at the bottom. Let the tomatoes come to a boil over medium heat, mashing them as they cook. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom. Once the tomatoes have cooked for about 20-30 minutes and have reached your desired consistency, lower the heat. You can use a hand blender or a food mill to achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Add the Seasonings: Towards the end of the cooking process, add the salt, sugar, and olive oil. If you’re using fresh basil, add it at this stage and stir. Remove the pot from the heat.

4. Fill the Jars: Prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Fill the jars with the hot tomato sauce, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean cloth and seal the lids tightly. Turn the jars upside down on a clean cloth and let them cool completely. This method helps to create a vacuum seal, which allows the preserves to last longer.

How and Where to Use It

Homemade tomato preserve is a versatile ingredient in your kitchen. It’s a great base for pasta sauces, soups, shakshuka, or stews. You can also use it as a sauce for breakfast or as a side with baked chicken and meat dishes.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life

Homemade Tomato Preserve can be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to 1 year.

If the jar lid is bulging or unsealed, the preserve may have spoiled.

Once opened, the preserves should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 week.

Enjoy! If you have any special tips you use when making tomato preserves, feel free to share them in the comments.