Canning Pasta Sauce: Delicious Homemade Flavors in a Jar
Homemade pasta sauce is a culinary treasure, but its shelf life is sadly limited. That's where canning comes in! Preserving your delicious creations in jars allows you to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables, in this case) of your labor all year round. Here are some recipes to get you started on your canning journey:
Basic Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Important: Process the sauce in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
Hearty Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Important: Process the sauce in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.
Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Important: Process the sauce in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality tomatoes. The flavor of your sauce starts with the tomatoes, so choose ripe, flavorful varieties.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices. Add a pinch of sugar, a touch of hot sauce, or your favorite herbs to personalize your sauce.
- Follow the canning instructions carefully. Canning is a precise process, and following the instructions ensures the safety of your food.
- Label and store your canned sauce in a cool, dark place. Canned sauce can last for up to a year if stored properly.
Enjoy your homemade canned pasta sauce! It's a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of fresh ingredients throughout the year.
