Homemade Pasta Sauce: Canning for Deliciousness All Year Round
Craving the taste of summer sunshine even in the depths of winter? Canning your own pasta sauce is a fantastic way to preserve those fresh, vibrant flavors. This homemade pasta sauce recipe is perfect for beginners, packed with flavor and easy to can for long-lasting enjoyment.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment for Canning:
- Canning jars and lids: Use jars specifically designed for canning and ensure the lids are new, unused, and free of dents or imperfections.
- Canning pot: A large stock pot with a rack for holding jars safely.
- Jar lifter: For safely lifting hot jars from the canning pot.
- Magnetic lid lifter: For easily placing lids on hot jars.
- Funnel: For filling jars without spills.
- Ladle: For pouring sauce into jars.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measuring of ingredients.
- Rubber spatula: For scraping the bottom of the pot.
- Clean kitchen towels: For drying jars and lids.
Instructions:
1. Prepare your sauce:
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. Prepare your jars:
- Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water and sterilize them by boiling in a pot of water for 10 minutes.
- Leave jars upside down on a clean towel to air dry.
- Keep lids in hot water until ready to use.
3. Fill the jars:
- Ladle the hot sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place a new lid on each jar and screw on the band, tightening it just until it's fingertip-tight.
4. Process the jars:
- Place the jars in a canning pot with a rack and ensure the jars are completely submerged in boiling water.
- Bring the water back to a boil and process the jars for 35 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars from the canning pot using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you should hear a "popping" sound as the lids seal.
- Once cool, check the lids to ensure they are properly sealed.
5. Storage:
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Success:
- Use high-quality tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes will give your sauce the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices.
- Don't overfill the jars: Leaving headspace is crucial for proper sealing.
- Always use a jar lifter to remove jars from the canning pot: Hot jars can be dangerous to handle.
- Store canned pasta sauce in a cool, dark place: This will help maintain its quality and flavor.
Enjoying Your Homemade Canned Pasta Sauce:
Once your sauce has cooled and sealed, you have a delicious, homemade pasta sauce that's ready to be used. Simply heat it up and toss it with your favorite pasta, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and enjoy! This simple recipe is a perfect way to savor the flavors of summer all year long.
