Homemade Tomato Juice

Delicious Homemade Tomato Juice Recipe with Lemon Juice and Salt

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

History

Tomato juice has been enjoyed for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the early 1800s. Originally used as a medicinal tonic, tomato juice gained popularity as a refreshing drink in the late 19th century. Today, it is a staple in many households and is often enjoyed as a healthy alternative to store-bought juices.

Ingredients

8 lb (3.63 kg) of firm, ripe tomatoes
5 tbsp of lemon juice
1.25 tsp of salt (optional)

How to prepare

Wash the tomatoes.
Remove the stems.
Core the tomatoes and cut them into pieces; drain.
Place the tomatoes in an 8- or 10 qt (9.46 liter) kettle.
Bring the tomatoes to a boil over low heat, stirring often.
Cover the kettle and simmer for 15 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft, stirring often.
Press the tomatoes through a food mill.
Discard the solids.
Return the tomato juice to the kettle and bring it to a boil.
Boil the tomato juice gently, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Add lemon juice, and if desired, 0.25 tsp salt to each hot, clean pint jar.
Pour the hot tomato juice into the jars, leaving a 0.5 inch headspace; wipe the jar rims; adjust the lids.
Process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 35 minutes (start timing when the water returns to a boil).

To freeze

Place the kettle in a sink filled with ice water; stir the mixture to help it cool.
Pour the mixture into wide-top freezer containers, leaving a 0.5 inch headspace.
Omit the lemon juice.
If desired, add 0.25 tsp salt to each container.
Seal, label, and freeze the containers for up to 10 months.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato juice. You can also experiment with adding fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making homemade tomato juice, be sure to use firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Removing the stems and coring the tomatoes before cooking will help ensure a smooth and delicious juice. Be sure to stir the tomatoes often while cooking to prevent sticking and burning.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade tomato juice can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink, or used as a base for soups, sauces, and cocktails. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of black pepper and a celery stick for a classic Bloody Mary cocktail.

Cooking Techniques

To achieve a smooth and silky texture, be sure to press the cooked tomatoes through a food mill before boiling the juice. This will help remove any seeds or skins and create a deliciously smooth juice.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a sweeter juice, you can add a touch of honey or sugar to the tomato juice before canning or freezing. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers for a unique flavor twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade tomato juice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the juice in freezer-safe containers for up to 10 months for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve homemade tomato juice in a tall glass with a sprig of fresh basil or a slice of lemon for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Homemade tomato juice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta dishes, and seafood. It also makes a delicious base for soups, stews, and sauces.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Homemade tomato juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 10 months. To reheat, simply thaw the juice in the refrigerator overnight or heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of homemade tomato juice contains approximately 50 calories. This makes it a low-calorie beverage that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of homemade tomato juice contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Homemade tomato juice is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving. This makes it a healthy choice for those looking to reduce their fat intake and maintain a balanced diet.

Proteins

Tomato juice contains a small amount of protein, with approximately 2 grams per serving. While not a significant source of protein, tomato juice can still contribute to your daily protein needs.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato juice is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are essential for overall health and can help support a strong immune system, healthy skin, and proper cell function.

Alergens

Tomato juice is naturally free of common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts. However, individuals with a tomato allergy should avoid consuming this beverage.

Summary

Homemade tomato juice is a nutritious and delicious beverage that is low in fat and calories, rich in vitamins and minerals, and a good source of carbohydrates and protein. It can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on its own or used as a base for soups, sauces, and cocktails.

Summary

Homemade tomato juice is a delicious and nutritious beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for soups, sauces, and cocktails. Made from fresh, ripe tomatoes, this juice is bursting with flavor and packed with vitamins and minerals. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create your own homemade tomato juice that is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Homemade Tomato Juice. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a handwritten note fell out, detailing the ingredients and steps to make the most delicious tomato juice I had ever tasted.

The note was written in elegant script, and it was signed by my great-grandmother, Clara. I had never met her, as she had passed away before I was born, but I had heard many stories about her culinary skills and her love for gardening. She had a green thumb and grew the most luscious tomatoes in her backyard garden.

I decided to give her recipe a try, in hopes of connecting with her through the art of cooking. I gathered the ripest tomatoes from my own garden, along with some fresh basil and garlic, as per her instructions. I could almost smell the fragrant aroma of the tomatoes as I began to chop and blend the ingredients together.

As I simmered the mixture on the stove, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I imagined my great-grandmother standing in her own kitchen, a smile on her face as she prepared this very same recipe. I felt a connection to her through the simple act of following her instructions and honoring her memory.

When the tomato juice was finally ready, I poured myself a glass and took a sip. The taste was pure and vibrant, with a hint of sweetness from the ripe tomatoes. I closed my eyes and savored the flavor, feeling as though I had been transported back in time to my great-grandmother's kitchen.

From that day on, Homemade Tomato Juice became a staple in my own kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist to it. Sometimes I would add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing tang.

Over the years, I learned to adapt the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I experimented with different herbs and spices, creating unique variations of the classic tomato juice. Each time I made a batch, I felt the presence of my great-grandmother guiding me through the process.

As I grew older, I continued to cherish the tradition of making Homemade Tomato Juice. It became a symbol of my heritage, a link to the past that I could hold onto in a fast-paced world. Every time I took a sip of the tangy, savory drink, I felt a connection to my roots and a sense of pride in carrying on a family recipe.

I often think about the journey that this recipe has taken, from my great-grandmother's kitchen to mine. It has been passed down through generations, each person adding their own touch to it. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and for the memories it evokes each time I make it.

In the end, Homemade Tomato Juice is more than just a drink. It is a testament to the power of tradition and the bond that food can create between generations. It is a reminder of the love and care that goes into preparing a simple recipe, and the joy that sharing it can bring.

So, whenever I make a batch of Homemade Tomato Juice, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of connection. And as I raise a glass to toast to my great-grandmother Clara and all those who came before me, I know that I am honoring their legacy in the most delicious way possible.