Tomato, Apple, Carrot, and Pepper Delight

This delightful vegetable and fruit blend combines the tangy taste of tomatoes with the sweetness of apples, the earthiness of carrots, and the vibrant flavor of peppers. The fusion creates a unique taste that's both refreshing and hearty, ideal for family meals or special gatherings. With the added kick of chili peppers, this dish offers a tantalizing hint of spice, perfectly balanced by the aromatic garlic. The combination of vinegar and sugar brings a subtle acidity and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This dish is versatile, serving as a wonderful side or a flavorful main when served over rice or pasta. Easy to prepare in just over an hour, it’s perfect for a quick yet delicious meal. The recipe can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences, making it a fantastic choice for diverse palates. Highly nutritious, it provides essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients used. Discover the secret to creating this vibrant dish that’s sure to brighten your dining table!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2.5 kg tomatoes
1 kg apples
1 kg carrots
1 kg peppers
100 g chili peppers
200 g garlic
270 g sugar
200 ml vegetable oil
200 ml vinegar (9%)
70 g salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes (Prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the carrots, core the peppers, and apples.
Using a food processor, meat grinder, or blender, puree all the vegetables and apples. You can also grate everything except the tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Pour the pureed mixture into a large pot (at least 6 liters).
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the mixture is cooking, finely chop the garlic.
After an hour, add the chopped garlic, vegetable oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar to the pot.
Stir everything thoroughly until well combined. This is crucial to evenly distribute the flavors.
Once the ingredients are well mixed, remove the pot from the heat. Unlike the other ingredients, the garlic should remain fresh to retain its pungency.
Carefully fill sterilized jars with the hot mixture, leaving a little space at the top, and seal immediately.
Invert the jars momentarily to ensure a complete seal, then allow them to cool naturally.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place. They will last for months, providing you with delicious flavors whenever you desire.
If a smoother texture is preferred, use a hand blender to puree the mixture further before jarring.
Customize the spiciness by adjusting the chili pepper amount according to your preference.
Be attentive to stirring during the cooking process to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of water to reach the desired consistency.
The addition of fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the flavor profile further.
Using different varieties of apples can subtly change the flavor—consider sweeter or sourer options to match your taste.
This recipe yields a relatively large quantity, perfect for making gifts or for prolonged use.
For a more pronounced garlic flavor, increase the amount of garlic according to preference.
Always handle the hot mixture and sterile jars with care to avoid burns or contamination.

Tips

Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili used.
For a thicker consistency, allow the mixture to cook longer, stirring frequently.
Sterilize jars thoroughly to ensure long-term preservation and freshness.
Experiment with apple varieties to tweak the sweetness level of the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Protein: 3 g
Fats: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g

Variations

Replace sugar with honey or agave for a natural sweetener.
For a milder dish, omit the chili peppers entirely.
Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.
To make the dish vegan-friendly, ensure the sugar used is vegan-certified.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside freshly cooked rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Pair with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Best Places

La Tomatina Restaurant - Known for its tomato-based dishes. Location: Plaça de la Llotja, Valencia, Spain.
Paprika Café - Offers an array of pepper-infused meals. Location: 749 Rue Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC, Canada.
Green Apple Bistro - Specializes in apple-centric dishes. Location: 12 E 49th St, New York, USA.
Spice Bazaar - Renowned for chili-enhanced cuisine. Location: 54 Bermondsey St, London, UK.
Carrot Top Eatery - Features a variety of carrot-focused recipes. Location: 197 Russell St, Melbourne, Australia.
Vinegar & Delight - Celebrates dishes incorporating vinegar. Location: 66 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.
Garlic & Flavor House - Perfect for garlic lovers. Location: 123 Main Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
Sweet-Salty Harmony Café - Known for its sugar and salt balanced dishes. Location: 234 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Oil & Herb Kitchen - Focuses on flavorful infusions with oils. Location: 56 Orchard Rd, Singapore.
Bountiful Blend Restaurant - Combines various ingredients in harmonious meals. Location: 23 Orchard St, Christchurch, New Zealand.