Pickles and Preserves Recipes - Bottled Chili Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 4 jars

---

Method:

1. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds. Peel the shallots and cut into four. Peel the garlic and cut into half.

2. Divide the tomatoes, shallots and garlic between four preserving jars each of about 500 ml/17 fl oz (2 1/4 cups). Add a chili pepper to each one.

3. Heat the balsamic vinegar in a saucepan with the bay leaves. Simmer for a few minutes.

4. Remove the bay leaves and pour the vinegar into the jars, completely covering the tomatoes, shallots and garlic.

5. Leave the chili tomatoes to marinate for three days before eating. Store the jars in the refrigerator and use within 8 weeks.

Note: As well as being a mouth-watering snack, chili tomatoes are delicious served with fried meat.