Make Your Own Delicious and Long-Lasting Pasta Sauce for Canning
Homemade pasta sauce is a culinary treasure, and canning it allows you to enjoy the flavors of your kitchen all year round. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own canned pasta sauce, ensuring a delicious and safe product.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Sauce
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in parsley and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 2: Canning the Sauce
- Sterilize jars and lids: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Place them in a large pot filled with water and bring the water to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes to sterilize.
- Prepare the water bath: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover jars by 2 inches. Bring the water to a simmer.
- Fill jars: Carefully ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth to remove any sauce spills.
- Seal jars: Place lids and bands on jars and tighten them securely, but not too tightly.
- Process jars: Carefully place jars in the simmering water bath. Ensure the water covers the jars by 2 inches. Bring the water back to a simmer and process for 30 minutes.
- Remove jars: Using a jar lifter, carefully remove jars from the water bath and place them on a clean towel to cool completely. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal, indicating a successful canning process.
Tips:
- Adjust the seasonings: Don't hesitate to adjust the spices and herbs to your liking.
- Add other ingredients: Feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even ground meat to your sauce.
- Label and store: Once cooled, label your jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Safety Precautions:
- Cleanliness is key: Use clean tools and surfaces during the entire process.
- Follow processing times: The processing times are crucial for ensuring the safety of your canned goods.
- Inspect jars for leaks: Ensure all jars have properly sealed lids. Any jars with leaks should be discarded.
Enjoy your homemade canned pasta sauce for a delicious and convenient meal option anytime!
