A Simple and Delicious Recipe for Canned Tomato Sauce
Canned tomato sauce is a pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s also a great way to preserve fresh tomatoes from your garden or the farmer's market. This recipe is simple and versatile, with just a few ingredients and minimal preparation.
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and core them. Chop the tomatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Process the Sauce:
- While the sauce is simmering, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Using a ladle or canning funnel, carefully pour the hot tomato sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sauce residue.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
5. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water bath and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cooled, check the lids to ensure they have properly sealed. The lids should be indented in the center, indicating a vacuum seal.
- Store the canned tomato sauce in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Tips and Variations:
- Use Different Types of Tomatoes: Experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as Roma, heirloom, or even cherry tomatoes.
- Adjust the Seasonings: You can adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and sugar to your liking.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Get creative by adding other herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes.
- Make a Thick Sauce: For a thicker sauce, simmer the mixture for a longer time, or puree the sauce in a blender after simmering.
Enjoy your homemade canned tomato sauce! It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless recipes, from pasta sauces and pizzas to soups and stews.
