Grandmother’s Traditional Preserved Tomatoes Recipe

by

A Taste of Summer, All Year Long!

This cherished method of preserving tomatoes has been lovingly passed down through generations — from my grandmother to my mother, and now to me. Every winter, when the snow falls and the days grow short, our family gathers around the table to enjoy vibrant tomato salads, seasoned with aromatic spices and memories of sunny gardens.

This recipe is more than a method — it’s a piece of our heart, prepared with care and preserved for the cold months ahead.

Ingredients

  • 2.3–2.5 kg fresh ripe tomatoes, cut into quarters
  • 6–7 cloves garlic (use about 2 cloves per jar)
  • 1 bunch fresh dill
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • Additional greenery of your choice (such as celery leaves or tarragon), stems included
  • 400–450 grams onions, thinly sliced
  • Black peppercorns (a few per jar)

Before You Begin: Preparing the Jars and Lids

  1. Sterilize the Jars:
    • Wash jars thoroughly with hot soapy water.
    • Boil each jar in a large pot for several minutes to ensure complete sterilization.
  2. Sterilize the Lids:
    • Place the lids in boiling water for a few minutes until sanitized.

Tip: I recommend using 1.5-liter jars for the perfect portion size and stacking convenience.

Layering the Ingredients in the Jars

  1. Place one clove of garlic at the bottom of each sterilized jar.
  2. Add a few black peppercorns and a handful of fresh greenery (dill, parsley, optional herbs).
  3. Start layering quartered tomatoes and sliced onions alternately inside the jar.
  4. Halfway through, add another clove of garlic and more greenery.
  5. Continue layering, pressing gently but not crushing the tomatoes, until the jar is full.
  6. Finish with a final layer of onions and greenery on top.

Preparing the Boiling Water Pre-Treatment

  1. Bring a large pot of drinking water to a rolling boil.
  2. Carefully pour the boiling water into each filled jar until the contents are fully covered.
  3. Immediately close the jars with sterilized lids.
  4. Let the jars sit for 15 minutes — this heats the ingredients through and helps them release some of their juices.

Preparing the Marinade

After 15 minutes:

  1. Carefully strain the water from the jars into a large pot using a fine sieve (this liquid will form the base of your marinade).
  2. For each 1.5-liter jar, you’ll need the following added to the strained liquid:
    • 2 teaspoons salt (about 18 grams)
    • 2.5 tablespoons sugar
    • 1 tablespoon neutral, refined oil (such as sunflower oil)
  3. Bring the marinade to a gentle boil, stirring to fully dissolve the salt and sugar.
  4. Just before pouring the marinade back into the jars, add 25 ml of 9% vinegar directly into each jar.

Final Assembly and Sealing

  1. Pour the hot, boiling marinade back into each jar, filling it to the brim and covering all the contents.
  2. Immediately seal the jars tightly with their sterilized lids.
  3. Turn each jar upside down briefly to check for any leakage (a good seal won’t leak).

Cooling and Storing

  • After sealing, cover the jars with a warm blanket to insulate them as they cool slowly. This helps complete the preservation process.
  • Once fully cooled to room temperature, move the jars to a cool, dark pantry or storage area.

Properly sealed jars can be stored safely for up to 1 year!

Serving Suggestions

In the cold of winter, open a jar and create a vibrant tomato salad by combining the preserved tomatoes with a splash of olive oil, some chopped onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
It’s the perfect reminder of the sunny flavors of summer — and a tradition that warms the soul.

Quick Reference

Final Thoughts

This family recipe embodies everything beautiful about home preservation — the patience, the aromas, and the anticipation of enjoying something truly homemade when it’s most needed.
Prepare it with love, and your table will always have a taste of summer, even on the coldest winter day.

  • Air Fryer Cheesy Tortilla Garlic Bread
    🧄 Crispy, Cheesy, and Bursting with Flavor — Ready in Minutes! If you’re looking for a quick, irresistible snack or appetizer that hits all the comfort food notes—look no further than this Air Fryer Cheesy Tortilla Garlic Bread. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms basic flour tortillas into golden, crispy … Read more
  • Soft Lemon Biscuits That Melt in Your Mouth
    🍋 🤤 The Ultimate Citrus Treat You Didn’t Know You Needed If you’re a fan of citrusy sweets that are soft, delicate, and full of bright flavor, these Soft Lemon Biscuits are going to become your new obsession. Bursting with the fresh aroma of lemon and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the kind of treat that … Read more
  • Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa: Un viaje tropical en cada bocado
    🌞 🍋🍍🌶️ ¿Estás buscando una receta que despierte tus papilas gustativas con una explosión de sabores frescos, cítricos y exóticos? Esta receta de Lemon Ginger Chicken with Pineapple Mango Salsa es justo lo que necesitas. Inspirada en los aromas vibrantes del trópico y combinada con técnicas sencillas, esta preparación lleva lo mejor del dulce, ácido … Read more
  • Charcoal Bun Miso Maple Burger with Black Garlic Aioli
    Smoky, savory, and slightly sweet — this gourmet-style burger blends umami miso, rich maple syrup, and the unique depth of black garlic for a bold, unforgettable bite. Served on dramatic charcoal buns with melty cheese and a creamy aioli, it’s a showstopper at any dinner or cookout. 🍔 Ingredients (Serves 4): For the Patties: For … Read more
  • Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles – The Ultimate Comfort Food Made Easy
    Ramen noodles just got a major upgrade. If you’re tired of plain instant noodles and looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love, this Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles recipe is the answer. It’s the perfect combination of tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, a sweet-savory garlic-soy sauce, and soft ramen noodles—all slowly … Read more
  • Homemade “Amish Amoxicillin” Natural Remedy
    Powerful Organic Immune Booster! This is my personal recipe for “Amish Amoxicillin” — a potent, natural remedy packed with powerful organic ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. Whenever I feel the need for extra support, this blend works wonders! Whenever possible, I always recommend using organic ingredients for maximum potency and purity. … Read more
  • Grandmother’s Traditional Preserved Tomatoes Recipe
    A Taste of Summer, All Year Long! This cherished method of preserving tomatoes has been lovingly passed down through generations — from my grandmother to my mother, and now to me. Every winter, when the snow falls and the days grow short, our family gathers around the table to enjoy vibrant tomato salads, seasoned with … Read more
  • Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs (Melktert Bombs) 🍩✨
    Description If you’re craving a soft, pillowy treat that’s oozing with sweet, creamy filling and wrapped in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating, these Condensed Milk & Cinnamon Doughnut Puffs, also known as Melktert Bombs, are a dream come true.A simple homemade dough is fried until golden brown, then filled with a rich blend of custard and … Read more
  • Carrot Cake Cookies
    DescriptionThese Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the cozy flavors of traditional carrot cake into soft, chewy cookies that are naturally sweetened and full of texture. Packed with grated carrots, oats, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a wholesome dessert. Each bite delivers the essence of carrot cake in a … Read more

Leave a Comment