Warm Beetroot and Vegetable Preserve

This delightful beetroot and vegetable preserve is a perfect addition to your pantry, especially during the colder months. It is a deeply flavorful dish characterized by the richness of beets and a medley of vegetables, enhanced with aromatic spices. Prepared with vibrant ingredients like fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic, this preserve captures a taste of summer to enjoy throughout the winter. The preparation involves a gentle simmering process that melds flavors beautifully, resulting in a deliciously tangy and savory treat. Not only is it a great way to preserve seasonal vegetables, but it also makes for a fantastic side dish or condiment. The addition of vinegar or lemon juice introduces a subtle zing, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the vegetables. The recipe is versatile, allowing substitutions to suit your preferences or availability of ingredients. Whether you're a veteran preserver or a novice, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. With careful attention to sterilizing jars, this homemade preserve offers not only flavor but also the warmth of a homemade gift.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 kg beets
2 kg tomatoes
1.5 kg peppers
1.5 kg onions
200 g garlic

Additional Ingredients

5 tbsp sugar
10 tsp salt
400 g oil
10 tbsp vinegar or juice from 2 lemons
1 tsp ground pepper
4-6 bay leaves

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Vegetables: Begin by peeling the beets and grating them using a coarse grater. Dice the tomatoes after removing their skins, and slice the peppers into thin strips. Chop the onions and mince the garlic.
Heat Oil and Spices: In a large pot, pour in the oil, then add sugar, salt, and ground pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Sauté the Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them for about 3 minutes until they become translucent.
Add Peppers: Stir in the sliced peppers and continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the pot, stir well, and let them cook for about 10 minutes until they start to break down.
Mix in Beets: Incorporate the grated beets into the mixture and cook for another 10-15 minutes. This will enable the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Garlic and Bay Leaves: About 10 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the minced garlic and bay leaves to infuse the dish with more flavor.
Introduce Acidity: Pour the vinegar or lemon juice into the pot about 5 minutes before finishing, which will balance the sweetness and add a tangy note.
Sterilize Jars: While the mixture is cooking, sterilize jars by boiling them in water to ensure they are clean and free from any bacteria.
Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot mixture into the sterilized jars, leaving some headspace at the top.
Seal and Store: Seal the jars tightly with lids and let them cool completely. Store in a cool, dark place.

Tips

Vegetable Variations: Substitute tomatoes with tomato paste; add about 2 cups of water if using paste.
Preservation: Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Flavor Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.

Nutritions

Calories: 150 per 100g serving
Protein: 2g
Fats: 10g
Carbohydrates: 12g

Variations

Spicier Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Low-Sodium: Reduce salt and enhance flavors with extra fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a condiment for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Enjoy as a topping on crusty bread or as a colorful salad addition.

Best Places

The Preserve Store - Known for its artisanal preserves. Location: 34 Bristol Street, Bristol, UK.
Cask & Kettle - Offers a wide variety of homemade condiments. Location: 145 Main Road, Wellington, New Zealand.
The Jar Lounge - Famous for freshly jarred delights. Location: 18 Orchard Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
Preserve & Co. - Renowned for unique flavor blends. Location: 27 Lombard Street, Toronto, Canada.
Savour & Save - Features international preserve collections. Location: 50 Savory Way, Sydney, Australia.
Sunset Preserve Café - A charming café with a preserve selection. Location: 90 Beachfront Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.
Harvest & Jar - Offers organic and seasonal preserves. Location: 2205 Green Street, Berlin, Germany.
Aurora's Bottling - Well-regarded preserve and marmalade makers. Location: 72 Broadway St, New York, USA.
Bountiful Jars - Specializes in local and exotic ingredients. Location: 13 Petit Avenue, Paris, France.
Jardin Gourmet - Offers world-renowned gourmet preserves. Location: 99 Garden Plaza, Tokyo, Japan.