How do you make tomato juice with fresh tomatoes?

Ingredients:

- 4 pounds (about 10 medium) ripe tomatoes

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon black pepper

- Optional seasonings (such as garlic, onion, basil, or oregano)

Instructions:

1. Wash and Prepare the Tomatoes:

- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.

- Cut off the stem ends and remove any blemishes.

2. Blanch the Tomatoes:

- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

- Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the skins start to split.

- Remove the tomatoes from the water and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

3. Peel the Tomatoes:

- Once the tomatoes have cooled, peel off the skins. The skin should come off easily.

4. Cut and Seed the Tomatoes:

- Cut the peeled tomatoes in half and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.

5. Process the Tomatoes:

- Place the tomato halves in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth.

6. Strain the Juice:

- If you prefer, you can use a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining seeds or pulp. This step is optional.

7. Season the Juice:

- Add salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings to the tomato juice. Stir to combine.

8. Chill the Juice:

- Refrigerate the tomato juice until it is well-chilled, at least for 2 hours.

9. Serve:

- Pour the chilled tomato juice into glasses and serve. Enjoy the delicious, fresh tomato juice!

Tips:

- To make a smoother juice, strain the tomato puree through a fine-mesh sieve.

- You can adjust the taste by adding more or less salt, pepper, and seasonings to your preference.

- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, cilantro, or mint, to enhance the flavor of the tomato juice.

- If you like spicy tomato juice, you can add some hot sauce or chili flakes to taste.