A Classic Italian Tomato Sauce: Preserving Summer's Flavors in Jars
The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs fills your kitchen with the essence of Italy. This simple yet flavorful tomato sauce captures the essence of summer's bounty and is perfect for making pasta, pizza, or using as a base for other delicious dishes. The beauty of canning this sauce is that you can enjoy its vibrant taste throughout the year.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 10 medium tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tomatoes:
- Wash and core the tomatoes.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces, about 1/2 inch.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Simmering the Sauce:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot.
- Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Blending (Optional):
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Canning the Sauce:
- Prepare your canning jars, lids, and rings following proper sterilization procedures.
- Ladle the hot sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth to ensure they are clean and free of any sauce.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings tightly, but not overly tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely.
Tips:
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Use more or less salt, pepper, herbs, or red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other Italian herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar: A tablespoon of balsamic vinegar adds a touch of depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Consider adding a bit of sugar: If the tomatoes are acidic, a tablespoon of sugar can help balance the flavors.
Enjoy your homemade Italian tomato sauce!
This sauce will last for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Use it to create delicious dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, or even as a base for soups and stews. The aroma alone will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!
