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HOMEMADE AROMATIC TOMATO SAUCE — PRESERVATIVE-FREE FOR WINTER COOKING

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
HOMEMADE AROMATIC TOMATO SAUCE — PRESERVATIVE-FREE FOR WINTER COOKING

HOMEMADE AROMATIC TOMATO SAUCE — PRESERVATIVE-FREE FOR WINTER COOKING

This richly flavored, preservative-free tomato sauce is a winter staple in Romanian kitchens. Perfect as a base for pork roasts, stuffed peppers, and hearty soups, this homemade bulion captures the essence of ripe summer tomatoes, slowly simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs.

🕒 Prep Time: 45 min

🍳 Cook Time: 2 hr 30 min
🍽️ Yields: 12 bottles (300 ml each)

Ingredients

  • 12 kg ripe tomatoes
  • 8 onions
  • 4 large carrots
  • 4 red bell peppers
  • 15 garlic cloves
  • 8 celery stalks with leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

  • In a large wide pot (the wider, the faster the sauce will reduce), pour a thin layer of oil on the bottom and heat it gently.
  • Add finely chopped onions and grated carrots.
  • Sauté over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn slightly golden.

2. Process the Tomatoes

  • Meanwhile, wash tomatoes thoroughly, cut them in half, and remove stems and cores.
  • Chop roughly and pass them through a tomato mill (which separates pulp and juice from skins and seeds).
  • If your tomato mill isn’t very efficient, run the leftover solids through it several times to extract maximum pulp, leaving skins and seeds dry.

3. Combine and Simmer

  • Add the tomato pulp and juice to the sautéed vegetables.
  • Add celery leaves, whole peeled garlic cloves, and cleaned, quartered red peppers to the pot.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer gently until the sauce reduces by half—this will take about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Final Strain and Season

  • Remove celery leaves and red pepper pieces from the sauce.
  • Pass the sauce through the tomato mill once more to obtain a smooth, velvety texture free of chunks.
  • Return the strained sauce to the pot, season with salt to taste, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Sterilize Bottles and Preserve

  • Thoroughly wash 12 clean glass bottles (300 ml each), dry them, and place on a baking tray.
  • Sterilize bottles in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Boil bottle caps for a few minutes, then dry on clean kitchen towels.
  • While still hot, carefully pour the hot tomato sauce into the sterilized bottles.
  • Seal tightly and place the bottles under a blanket overnight to cool gradually.
  • Store in a cool, dark place.

💡 Tips

  • Use the widest pot you have to speed up reduction and intensify flavor.
  • Slow sautéing of onions and carrots adds natural sweetness and depth.
  • Passing the sauce twice through the tomato mill ensures a silky smooth consistency.
  • Proper sterilization is key for safe, long-lasting preservation.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Winter cooking bases for stews, soups, and sauces
  • Traditional Romanian meals like stuffed peppers and pork roasts
  • Homemade preservative-free tomato sauce lovers

📝 Final Thoughts

This homemade bulion recipe celebrates the rich taste of summer tomatoes preserved for winter enjoyment. With simple ingredients and time-honored techniques, it delivers a fresh, aromatic tomato sauce free from preservatives, perfect for enriching your seasonal dishes.