Marinara Sauce Recipe for Canning: Enjoy Summer Flavors All Year Long!
Ah, the smell of fresh, homemade marinara sauce simmering on the stove... There's nothing quite like it, but what if you could capture that summery goodness and enjoy it throughout the year? That's where canning comes in! This recipe will teach you how to make a delicious marinara sauce and preserve it for future use.
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Canning jars (pint or quart size)
- Canning lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
- Large spoon or ladle
- Funnel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Clean kitchen towels
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Wash and sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings. You can do this by boiling them in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
- Prepare your vegetables: chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Fill the Jars
- Using a ladle or spoon, carefully fill the hot, sterilized jars with the sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Use a rubber spatula to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Seal the Jars
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings, but not too tight.
- Process the jars in a water bath canner for 30 minutes.
- After the jars are finished processing, remove them carefully from the canner and let them cool completely. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy!
- Once the jars have cooled, check to make sure the lids have sealed properly.
- Store your canned marinara sauce in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy your homemade marinara sauce on pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a thicker sauce: Simmer the sauce for a longer period to allow the liquid to reduce.
- Add other ingredients: Experiment with different vegetables, herbs, or spices to personalize your sauce.
- Freeze the sauce: If you want to make a large batch of sauce, you can freeze the extra in freezer-safe containers.
- Label and date your jars: This will help you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored.
Safety First:
- Always follow the instructions in your canning recipe book.
- Use high-quality ingredients and clean equipment.
- Never reuse lids.
- Store your canned goods in a cool, dark place.
- If you have any concerns about the safety of your canned goods, contact a food safety expert.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade marinara sauce all year long. It's a delicious and satisfying way to preserve the flavors of summer!
