Marinara Sauce for Canning: A Delicious and Long-Lasting Treat
Canning marinara sauce allows you to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. This recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for preserving the essence of fresh, homegrown tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds ripe tomatoes, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Equipment:
- Large stockpot
- Immersion blender
- Canning jars and lids
- Water bath canner
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Instructions:
Preparing the Sauce:
- Sterilize Jars and Lids: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Place jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Place lids in a separate pot of simmering water.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Peel, core, and chop your tomatoes.
- Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Add dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add Tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the Sauce: Use an immersion blender to break down the tomatoes and create a smoother consistency. You can adjust the thickness to your preference.
Canning the Sauce:
- Prepare Canning Bath: Fill the water bath canner with water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Fill Jars: Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any sauce residue.
- Process Jars: Place filled jars in the boiling water bath. Process for 30 minutes, ensuring that the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch.
- Remove and Cool: Remove jars from the canner using a jar lifter. Allow jars to cool completely on a clean towel.
- Check Seals: As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. You can also gently press on the center of the lid to ensure a proper seal.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute the dried oregano and basil with 1/2 cup of fresh herbs each.
- Sweetness: For a sweeter sauce, add 1/2 cup of sugar during the simmering process.
- Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- Storage: Store canned marinara sauce in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate the sauce and use within 2 weeks.
This canned marinara sauce is ready to be used as a base for your favorite pasta dishes, pizzas, or even as a flavorful addition to soups and stews. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
