Tomatoes in their own juice will lick your fingers for the winter

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   How do you make finger-licking tomatoes in their own juice? For this recipe you'll need ripe tomatoes, sugar, and salt.

2. Step 2:

   

   Rinse the tomatoes well under running water and sort them into small and large.

3. Step 3:

   

   Wash and rinse the jars well ahead of time, dry them, and be sure to sterilize them. The lids are best boiled for about 5 minutes.

4. Step 4:

   

   For the juice, cut the larger tomatoes into pieces for juicing. Because tomatoes vary in size, the weight that fits into each jar varies too — so how many pounds of tomatoes you'll need is always approximate. Sometimes you'll have to make an extra batch of juice to top off the jars, or you can simply add boiling water.

5. Step 5:

   

   Run the tomatoes through a juicer. Set the dial to whatever consistency you want — you can fill the jars with thick or thin juice.

6. Step 6:

   

   Put the juice on the heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of salt per 10 quarts (10 liters) of juice and sugar to taste, about 3–4 tablespoons. Boil until the heavy foam disappears.

7. Step 7:

   

   Pack the tomatoes into the jars. Larger tomatoes suit the big jars, while small ones fit the quart jars — they're easier to lift out and eat.

8. Step 8:

   

   If you like, add fresh dill, garlic, and bell pepper to the jars. The juice will be even more fragrant.

9. Step 9:

   

   For a large batch, you can boil the juice in an enameled bucket or a big pot. Set each jar on a rack and pour in the boiling juice.

10. Step 10:

    

    Set the jar in a vessel suitable for pasteurizing, lay a cloth on the bottom, and boil — about 20 minutes for a large jar. Small jars need only 15 minutes.

11. Step 11:

    

    Seal the lids tightly.

12. Step 12:

    

    Turn the finished jars upside down onto a thick mat and wrap them in a blanket. Leave them to cool completely.

13. Step 13:

    

    You end up with wonderfully delicious tomatoes! Come winter, this treat is finger-licking good. Tomatoes put up this way keep their shape and taste much like fresh.