Vintage Tomato Elixir

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to the world of homemade refreshment with this Vintage Tomato Elixir. This recipe captures the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes in a way that's both nostalgic and refreshing. Perfect for sipping or mixing, it's a delightful way to enjoy the bounty of the season.

Ingredients for Vintage Tomato Elixir

The star of the show, of course, is the tomatoes. Choose ripe and blemish-free ones for the best flavor. The sweetness of granulated sugar balances out the acidity, while salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste. A splash of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang. Celery and onion lend a subtle depth of flavor, and a bay leaf adds a hint of earthiness. Finally, fresh basil leaves infuse a lovely aromatic finish to the elixir.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your tomatoes are particularly juicy, you might need to simmer a little longer to get a more concentrated flavor.
  • Using a food mill is ideal, but if you don't have one, a fine-mesh sieve works just as well.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Serving Suggestions

This elixir is wonderfully versatile. Enjoy it chilled as a refreshing drink, or use it as a unique base for cocktails. It also makes an excellent soup starter; just add your favorite vegetables and a splash of cream for a comforting bowl of goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
How long does this elixir last?
When refrigerated, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider canning.
Can I freeze the elixir?
Yes, freezing is a great option. Just leave some space in the container for expansion.

Vintage Tomato Elixir Recipe Walkthrough

Start by washing and coring your tomatoes, making sure to remove any blemishes. This ensures a smooth, clean taste. In a large pot, combine the tomatoes, chopped celery, onion, and the bay leaf. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the tomatoes soften, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking.

Once the tomatoes are soft, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle in the next step. Now, press the mixture through a food mill or sieve to separate the juice from the skins and seeds. Collect the juice in a bowl — this is your base.

Pour the juice back into the pot and add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the sugar dissolves completely.

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. This step is crucial for infusing the basil's aromatic oils into the elixir. Allow the mixture to cool before pouring it into bottles or jars for storage. It keeps well in the fridge or can be canned for longer preservation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients at their peak flavor.
  • Simple, straightforward process — no fancy equipment needed.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a drink or a cooking base.
  • Perfect for preserving the taste of summer for months to come.

Ingredients

6 lbs ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Wash and core the tomatoes, removing any blemishes.
2. In a large pot, combine tomatoes, chopped celery, onion, and bay leaf. Cook over medium heat until tomatoes are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Press the mixture through a food mill or sieve to remove skins and seeds, collecting the juice in a bowl.
5. Return the juice to the pot, add sugar, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and add fresh basil leaves. Stir to infuse the flavor.
8. Allow to cool before transferring to bottles or jars for storage.

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