Homemade Tomato Based Juice
Making your own tomato based juice at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a fresh, savory beverage packed with vitamins. This recipe is completely customizable, letting you control the salt and sweetness while keeping it perfectly smooth and refreshing.
Cooking Time and Serving
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients List
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3 pounds of ripe red tomatoes cored and chopped
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1 half cup of chopped celery stalks
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1 quarter cup of chopped sweet onion
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1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
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1 teaspoon of sea salt
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1 pinch of black pepper
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1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
How to Make
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Place your chopped tomatoes, celery, and sweet onion into a large nonreactive stainless steel saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat on your stovetop.
Step 2: Simmer Until Soft
Cook the mixture uncovered for about 20 minutes until all the vegetables are completely soft and mushy. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the cooked vegetable mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a food mill placed over a large bowl. Use the back of a large spoon to press down on the solids, extracting all the smooth liquid juice while leaving behind the tomato skins and seeds.
Step 4: Season the Juice
Add the sugar, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice directly into the warm strained tomato liquid. Stir well until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Let the juice cool down to room temperature, then pour it into a clean glass pitcher. Place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours until it is completely chilled before serving.
Writer Notes
For a slightly different flavor profile, you can add a few fresh basil or parsley leaves to the saucepan while cooking the tomatoes.
If you prefer a much thicker drink, you can blend the cooked mixture in a high speed blender instead of straining it, though this will include the skins and seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fresh tomato juice last?
This homemade juice stays fresh and delicious in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for up to seven days. Always stir well before pouring a glass.
Why do I need to use a nonreactive saucepan?
Tomatoes are highly acidic fruits. Using copper or aluminum pans can cause a chemical reaction that alters the color and gives your juice an unpleasant metallic taste.
Can I preserve this juice by canning?
Yes, you can safely preserve this juice using a water bath canner, but you must ensure you add proper bottled lemon juice to reach a safe acidity level for storage.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information per single cup serving.
Disclaimer
Please enjoy this savory juice in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have known allergies to nightshade fruits like tomatoes, please avoid this beverage. Due to the natural acidity of tomatoes, individuals who suffer from frequent acid reflux or heartburn may want to limit their consumption.