Zucchini Salad for Winter

This delicious zucchini salad is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of summer into the colder months. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it's both visually appealing and tasty. This salad showcases zucchini as the star ingredient, enhanced by the sweetness of bell peppers, the richness of tomato paste, and a hint of spice from chili peppers. Garlic adds an aromatic depth, while sugar and salt balance the flavors perfectly. It’s a simple yet delightful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. The salad is quick to make, requiring just an hour from start to finish. Store it in jars, and you'll have a convenient, ready-to-eat salad for those busy winter days. Perfect for anyone who loves to savor the garden’s bounty all year round!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 kg zucchini
• 5-6 bell peppers
• 100 g garlic
• 400 g tomato paste

Spices & Sauces

• 1/2 tsp chili pepper
• 200 g oil
• 200 g sugar
• 2 tbsp salt

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 60 minutes (including preparation and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the zucchini and bell peppers thoroughly. Peel the garlic cloves.

2. Chop the Veggies: Cut the zucchini and bell peppers into small cubes. This will help them cook evenly and blend well together.

3. Begin Cooking: Place the chopped zucchini and bell peppers in a large pot. Add a sufficient amount of water just to cover them.

4. Initial Cooking: Bring the pot to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This will soften the vegetables and allow them to absorb flavors better.

5. Add Seasonings: After 10 minutes, add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and chili pepper into the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors.

6. Continue Cooking: Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

7. Incorporate Oil and Sugar: Pour in the oil and sugar, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. This will give the salad a glossy finish and a balanced taste.

8. Season with Salt: Add the salt, stirring well to make sure every ingredient is seasoned properly.

9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or chili for desired flavor.

10. Prepare Jars: While the salad cooks, sterilize your jars in boiling water to ensure they are clean and safe for storing the salad.

11. Fill the Jars: Once the salad is cooked, ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving some space at the top.

12. Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars and tighten them securely. This will help preserve the salad for an extended period.

13. Cool Down: Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. As they cool, the lids should form a vacuum seal.

14. Store Properly: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. This will keep the salad fresh until you're ready to enjoy it.

15. Serve: When ready to serve, open a jar and transfer the salad to a serving dish.

16. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra touch of flavor.

17. Pairing Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a side dish with pasta.

18. Enjoy: Relish the fresh and zesty flavors of summer even when the winter snow is falling.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can substitute chili peppers with red pepper flakes for varying spice levels.
• Oil Options: Use olive oil for a richer flavor.
• Storage Tip: Ensure jars are sealed properly to prevent spoilage.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 80 calories per serving
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Fats: 3.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Ensure all ingredients used are dairy-free.
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products.

Best Places

1. Zucchini Café - Offers a wide variety of zucchini-based dishes. Location: 123 Green Lane, Seattle, USA.
2. Pepper Palace - Known for its spicy bell pepper dishes. Location: 56 Spice Street, London, UK.
3. Garlic Grill - Specializes in garlic-infused dishes. Location: 89 Aroma Avenue, Florence, Italy.
4. Tomato Terrace - Perfect spot for tomato-rich meals. Location: 101 Red Lane, Paris, France.
5. Chili Chow House - Renowned for its bold chili pepper recipes. Location: 45 Heat Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
6. Olio Bistro - Features a menu rich in olive oil-infused dishes. Location: 67 Olive Circle, Athens, Greece.
7. Sweet & Savory Stop - Offers sweet and savory balanced flavors. Location: 34 Dual Street, New York, USA.
8. Spice Symphony - Fantastic range of spiced meals. Location: 29 Note Way, Mumbai, India.
9. The Salt Cellar - Renowned for dishes with perfect seasoning. Location: 9 Miner’s Road, Sydney, Australia.
10. Cuisine Winter - Specializes in winter salads and dishes. Location: 11 Frost Drive, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with: Crusty bread or alongside grilled chicken.
• Garnish: Finely chopped parsley or basil.
• Pair with a drink: White wine or iced tea.