The recipe for preparing zucchini for the winter in the oven is perhaps one of the most uncommon. But zucchini prepared in this way can retain more of the vitamins and minerals contained in their composition. This preparation option is suitable for people watching their weight and health. Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that is suitable for dietary and proper nutrition. Have a beneficial effect on the intestinal tract.
Features of preparing zucchini for the winter in the oven
Preparing oven-baked zucchini leaves all the vitamins and minerals in the product, unlike other preparation methods. Such zucchini is often prepared as a ready-made additive for soups and stews.
If you remove the zucchini a couple of minutes before they are fully cooked, they will not lose their shape. In addition, after storage, the taste will remain rich and the structure will not change.
Recipe Ingredients Required
To cook zucchini in the oven for winter consumption, you need to take the following ingredients:
- a kilogram of fresh zucchini;
- kilogram of tomatoes;
- 1 onion;
- 1 carrot;
- a tablespoon of vegetable oil;
- a bunch of fresh herbs;
- a couple of cloves of garlic;
- 2 tablespoons of table vinegar;
- 2 pieces bay leaf;
- 2 tablespoons salt;
- a teaspoon of sugar;
- a pinch of ground black pepper.
Rules for choosing ingredients
When cooking zucchini in the oven, the size of the vegetables does not affect the result of the preparation. The main thing is not to take overripe vegetables. It is better to select small fruits, up to 15-20 centimeters in size, pastel green in color with light yellow tints. They are tastier and healthier, and last longer. The main thing is that there are no cracks, dents, scratches or soft spots on the surface of the zucchini.
Before actually cooking the zucchini in the oven, it is important to prepare the zucchini. It is necessary to cut off the edges and peel the peel. Then cut the vegetables into slices 1-2 centimeters thick and remove the seeds.
How to properly prepare the container?
Before sterilization, jars must first be thoroughly washed in warm water with a diluted spoon of baking soda. Wash the lids there, then boil for a couple of minutes in water.It is recommended to rinse the jars in cool water a couple of times.
Afterwards, you must sterilize the glass container. This can be done in three ways:
- above water vapor;
- in the microwave;
- in the oven.
The time for sterilizing glass jars depends on their volume: 15-20 minutes for sterilizing three-liter jars, 8-10 minutes for liter jars and 5 minutes for half-liter jars.
The process of preparing baked zucchini for the winter
Step-by-step process for cooking zucchini in the oven:
- Cut the onion into rings, grate the carrots, chop the tomatoes finely.
- Fry the onion in vegetable oil, then add carrots, tomatoes and mashed garlic to it. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add a little salt and ground pepper. Simmer for another minute.
- Chop the greens.
- Take a deep baking tray, lay out the zucchini rings, pour the stewed vegetable mixture on top, again spread a layer of zucchini and pour the mixture over. Repeat the procedure until the ingredients run out.
- Place a bay leaf on top, sprinkle with sugar, remaining salt and herbs. Place in a preheated oven for half an hour at 120 degrees.
- Pour the required amount of vinegar into the jar and tilt the container in different directions so that the vinegar covers the entire inner surface of the jar.
- Gently press the finished zucchini into glass jars with a spoon.
- Roll up the lids. Then you need to turn the jars upside down and wrap them in a thick, warm cloth. After a day, you can store it in a cool and dark place.
How and for how long can the finished product be stored?
Winter zucchini cooked in the oven, despite prejudices, can be preserved for a long time. Typically, if stored properly, they retain their flavor for a year. For long-term preservation, it is necessary to create a cool indoor environment.
You can store jars in the refrigerator or cellar. A cool pantry or closet will also work. Another important detail is to not allow direct sunlight to reach the workpieces. The room should be dark. Following these simple rules will help keep zucchini tasty for a long time.
