Homemade Spicy Hot V8 – Substitute / Copycat / Clone 🌶️🍅
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 3 quarts
Introduction:
Discover the essence of summer in a refreshing, healthy beverage with this Homemade Spicy Hot V8 recipe. Ideal for those eagerly awaiting ripe tomatoes, this flavorful concoction promises a burst of freshness in every sip. Crafted to perfection, it’s a fantastic substitute or copycat version of the classic V8, meticulously tailored to your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups water
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 celery stalk
- 8 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 onions
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 274.9
- Fat: 1.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 9517.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.7g
- Fiber: 12.3g
- Sugar: 39.3g
- Protein: 8.7g
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes, celery, onions, and garlic.
- Gather all the ingredients in one place for easy access during cooking.
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Cooking:
- In a large pot, combine water, chopped tomatoes, celery, vinegar, bay leaf, oregano, chopped onions, minced garlic, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure all flavors meld together.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady boil and let it cook for 2 hours, allowing the ingredients to infuse thoroughly.
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Straining:
- After 2 hours of simmering, remove the pot from the heat and carefully strain the mixture through a relatively fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Ensure to press the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, leaving behind a concentrated essence of flavors.
- Discard the pulp or save it for composting if preferred.
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Chilling:
- Transfer the strained liquid back into the pot and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover the pot and refrigerate the liquid overnight, allowing the flavors to further develop and meld.
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Final Touch:
- The next morning, you’ll notice a clear liquid on top of the mixture. Skim off this layer and discard it.
- Return the pot to the stove and bring the liquid to a boil once again.
- Allow the liquid to boil until it reduces to roughly three quarts, intensifying the flavors and achieving the desired consistency.
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Sweetening:
- Once reduced, stir in the sugar gradually, tasting as you go to adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- The sugar balances the acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a delightful hint of sweetness to complement the tangy tomato base.
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Cooling and Serving:
- Remove the pot from the heat and give the mixture a final stir.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to sterilized jars or bottles for storage.
- Serve your Homemade Spicy Hot V8 chilled over ice, garnished with a celery stalk or a slice of lemon for an extra zing.
Tips:
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices such as basil, thyme, or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor to your liking.
- For a smoother texture, blend the strained liquid using an immersion blender or countertop blender before refrigerating.
- Store the Homemade Spicy Hot V8 in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring freshness with every pour.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this Homemade Spicy Hot V8 recipe, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and invigorate your senses. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a base for savory cocktails and soups, this refreshing beverage is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Cheers to health and vitality with every sip! 🍹
