Preserving Summer's Bounty: Homemade Canned Tomato Sauce Recipes
The sweet aroma of ripe tomatoes fills the air, signaling the peak of summer and the perfect time to preserve the vibrant flavors of the season. Canning your own tomato sauce is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, delicious sauce all year round, while also ensuring a pantry stocked with homemade goodness.
Here are some recipes to get you started:
Classic Canned Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 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:
- In a large pot, combine chopped tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a separate pan and sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add the sautéed mixture to the pot with the tomatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until the desired consistency is reached.
- Return the sauce to the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Hot Fill & Seal: Ladle the hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe jar rims clean. Secure lids and process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.
- Let the jars cool completely.
Spicy Tomato Sauce
This recipe adds a fiery kick to your classic sauce:
Ingredients:
- 8 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 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
- 1-2 jalapeños, chopped (adjust to your desired spice level)
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 from the Classic Tomato Sauce recipe, adding the jalapeños along with the other vegetables.
- Hot Fill & Seal: Ladle the hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Wipe jar rims clean. Secure lids and process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.
- Let the jars cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Choosing Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results. If using store-bought tomatoes, choose varieties that are labeled "roma" or "plum."
- Sterilization: Proper sterilization is crucial for safe canning. Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Headspace: Leaving adequate headspace (1/2 inch) prevents jars from breaking during processing.
- Processing Time: The processing time ensures the sauce is properly sealed and safe to eat. Follow the recipe's instructions carefully.
- Storage: Store canned tomato sauce in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Using Your Homemade Sauce:
Your canned tomato sauce is ready to be used in countless dishes. Enjoy it in:
- Pasta dishes: Add it to your favorite pasta recipes for a flavorful base.
- Pizza sauce: Create your own homemade pizza sauce with a vibrant tomato base.
- Lasagna: Use it to create a hearty and delicious lasagna.
- Soup: Incorporate it into your favorite tomato soup recipes for a rich flavor.
- Chilis and stews: Add it to chili or stew for extra depth and flavor.
By dedicating a little time to canning your own tomato sauce, you'll not only preserve the taste of summer but also create a pantry staple that will elevate your culinary creations all year round.
