Making homemade V8 juice allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic V8-style juice:
Homemade V8 Juice Recipe
Makes about 4-6 servings.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small beet, peeled and chopped (optional, for color and sweetness)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped (optional, for a sharper flavor)
- 1 small handful of fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 clove garlic (optional, for a kick)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth (optional, for thinning)
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables into small pieces for easier blending.
- Blend the vegetables: In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the tomatoes, beet, celery, carrot, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, parsley, and garlic. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Strain (optional): For a smoother juice, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp. Press with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Season the juice: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the juice for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Tips:
- Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for brightness.
- For a spicier version, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade V8 juice! 🍅🥕🥒
