Tomato Sauce Recipes For Canning

CLARA

7 min read

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Jul 10, 2024

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Tomato Sauce Recipes for Canning: A Guide to Deliciously Preserved Flavor

Tomato sauce is a pantry staple that can be used in countless dishes, from pasta sauces to soups and stews. Canning your own tomato sauce is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful sauce all year round.

This article will guide you through the process of canning tomato sauce, offering three different recipes to suit your preferences.

Why Can Tomatoes?

Canning tomatoes allows you to preserve their peak flavor and freshness for months. It's a great way to utilize surplus tomatoes from your garden or local farmers' market.

Safety First: Basic Canning Principles

• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean workspace and sterilize all jars, lids, and equipment before use.
• Water Bath Canning: This method uses boiling water to create a vacuum seal in the jars, preserving the food.
• Follow Recipes Carefully: Recipes are designed to ensure proper acidity and safety. Don't deviate from the instructions.
• Proper Sealing: Ensure lids are properly sealed and make sure the jars have a good vacuum seal.
• Storage: Store canned goods in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Recipe 1: Classic Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 10 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
3. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and skins (optional).
4. Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
5. Wipe jar rims, apply lids and screw on rings.
6. Process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.

Recipe 2: Roasted Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 10 pounds ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Spread tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized.
5. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
6. Puree roasted tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
7. Stir in chopped basil.
8. Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
9. Wipe jar rims, apply lids and screw on rings.
10. Process in a boiling water bath for 40 minutes.

Recipe 3: Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 10 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
3. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and skins (optional).
4. Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
5. Wipe jar rims, apply lids and screw on rings.
6. Process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.

Tips for Delicious Tomato Sauce:

• Use ripe tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes will yield the best flavor and texture.
• Experiment with flavors: Add different herbs, spices, or even a splash of wine to personalize your sauce.
• Adjust thickness: For a thicker sauce, simmer for longer or puree the sauce after processing.
• Freeze leftover sauce: Freeze extra sauce in ice cube trays or containers for easy use in future recipes.

Enjoy your homemade canned tomato sauce! It's a delicious and satisfying reward for your efforts.