Homemade Tomato Sauce for Canning: A Taste of Summer in Every Jar
Summer is the time for fresh tomatoes, and what better way to capture that taste than by making your own canned tomato sauce? Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it's also a rewarding experience that lets you control the ingredients and enjoy the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of your labor all year long.
Why Make Your Own Tomato Sauce?
- Flavor: Fresh, ripe tomatoes make a world of difference in the taste of your sauce. You can control the sweetness, acidity, and thickness to your liking, unlike commercially prepared sauces.
- Freshness: You know exactly what's going into your sauce, without any added preservatives or thickeners.
- Cost-effective: Making your own sauce can be significantly cheaper than buying jars of sauce from the store, especially if you have a garden bursting with tomatoes.
- Control: Customize the sauce with your favorite herbs, spices, or even a touch of sweetness.
Getting Started: Choosing and Preparing Your Tomatoes
The key to delicious sauce is starting with the best tomatoes. Look for:
- Ripe tomatoes: They should be firm, deeply colored, and have a slight give when you press them.
- Flavorful varieties: Heirloom tomatoes often have a richer flavor.
- Avoid green tomatoes: They can make your sauce bitter.
Once you have your tomatoes, follow these steps:
- Wash: Wash your tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water.
- Blanch: Blanch the tomatoes by plunging them into boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This loosens the skins and makes them easier to remove.
- Peel: Once cool, gently peel the skins off the tomatoes.
- Core: Cut out the core and any damaged parts of the tomato.
- Chop: Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
The Recipe: A Simple and Versatile Sauce
This recipe is a basic foundation you can adapt to your taste:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and celery (if using) and cook until softened.
- Simmer: Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Adjust flavor: Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Canning Your Tomato Sauce
Canning allows you to preserve the flavor and freshness of your sauce for months. Follow these steps:
- Sterilize: Wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Then sterilize them by boiling in water for 10 minutes.
- Hot pack: While the sauce is still hot, carefully pour it into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any spills.
- Seal: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight.
- Process: Process the jars in a boiling water bath according to the recommended time for your specific altitude. This ensures that the jars are properly sealed.
- Cool: Let the jars cool completely on a wire rack. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
Storage and Enjoyment
Once your jars are cooled, you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce in countless ways:
- Pasta: The obvious choice!
- Pizza: A delicious base for your homemade pizzas.
- Soups: Add depth of flavor to your favorite soups.
- Chilis: A vital ingredient for hearty chilis.
- Burgers: Use it as a base for a flavorful burger sauce.
With a little effort and a lot of fresh tomatoes, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long!
