Certainly! Here’s a delightful recipe for Tomato Conserve that you can easily prepare and share with your loved ones. This flavorful creation promises a burst of tangy sweetness in every spoonful, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re spreading it on toast for a quick snack or incorporating it into your favorite recipes, this Tomato Conserve is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and versatility.
Tomato Conserve
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Yield: 8 Eight ounce jars
Ingredients:
- 18 ripe tomatoes
- 3 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 3 lemons, zest and juice
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Begin by washing the tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Remove any stems and chop them into small pieces.
-
Cook the Tomatoes:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, place the chopped tomatoes and cook them over medium heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should soften and release their juices, forming a thick mixture.
-
Add Sugar, Lemon, and Ginger:
- Once the tomatoes have cooked down, add the granulated sugar, minced ginger, and the zest and juice of the lemons to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Simmer Until Thickened:
- Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until it thickens and becomes smooth. This process may take another 20-30 minutes, depending on the desired consistency.
-
Sterilize the Jars:
- While the conserve is simmering, prepare your jars for canning. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water, then sterilize them by either boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
-
Fill the Jars:
- Once the conserve has reached your desired thickness, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
-
Seal the Jars:
- Place sterilized lids and bands on each jar, ensuring they are tightly secured.
-
Process in Boiling Water Bath:
- Submerge the filled jars in a boiling water bath, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Process the jars for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
-
Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using jar lifters and place them on a clean towel or rack to cool completely. As the jars cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” sound of the lids sealing, indicating a successful canning process.
-
Enjoy Your Tomato Conserve:
- Once cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate any opened jars and enjoy your homemade Tomato Conserve on toast, crackers, sandwiches, or as a flavorful ingredient in your favorite recipes.
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this homemade Tomato Conserve, bursting with the goodness of ripe tomatoes, zesty lemon, and aromatic ginger. Whether you’re preserving the harvest or simply looking to add a touch of homemade goodness to your meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out today and savor the taste of wholesome goodness in every jar! 🍅🍋✨
