Gaby
Zucchini is packed with several carotenoids—beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. This vegetable is good for the eyes, heart, and skin, and it may help protect men from prostate cancer. In winter, zucchini’s vitamin C content (19 mg per 100 g of zucchini) becomes especially important because it helps prevent vitamin deficiency and supports the immune system. Apples are also packed with antioxidants: they contain soluble fiber, polyphenols, and flavonoids. An apple can lower harmful cholesterol, help prevent artery blockage, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Apples are rich in vitamins A, C, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and E, and they provide a wide array of minerals, including potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. This combo will help you stay energized during winter and fight stress and fatigue.
Ingredients: zucchini – 4 kg, sour apples (such as Antonovka or Semerenko) – 6 pieces, vegetable oil – 300 g, tomato paste – 300 g, sugar – 1 cup, minced garlic – 1/2 cup, salt – 1/2 cup, bay leaves – 10 pieces, allspice – 5 berries, cloves – 5 pieces.
Grate the zucchini and apples on a coarse grater or cut them into strips. Dissolve the tomato paste in 1/2 liter of boiling water, then add the sugar, salt, spices, and oil. Mix well and simmer with the zucchini and apples for 30 minutes. Add the garlic 10 minutes before it’s done. Immediately pack the hot salad into sterilized jars and seal with lids.
Life Hack
To sterilize small jars, hold them over steam for 7 minutes; 1-2 liter jars should be sterilized for 10-15 minutes, and jars of 3 liters or more for 20-25 minutes. You can tell sterilization is done when large droplets of water appear on the inner walls of the jars. A device that holds the jars can make the process easier for home cooks. This sterilizer looks like a lid with one or several holes.
