Recipe for Marinara Sauce for Canning
Want to enjoy the taste of summer all year round? Canning your own marinara sauce is a great way to preserve fresh flavors and have a delicious pantry staple ready to go whenever you need it.
This recipe is a classic marinara, perfect for topping pasta, pizza, or using as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients:
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
2. Prepare Jars and Lids:
- While the sauce simmers, sterilize your jars and lids. You can do this by washing them in hot, soapy water and then placing them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
3. Fill Jars:
- Ladle the hot sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace (space between the sauce and the lid).
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure no sauce remains.
4. Seal the Jars:
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands securely.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes, making sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch.
5. Cool and Store:
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water bath and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- You should hear a "pop" as the lids seal, indicating a good vacuum seal.
Tips:
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more garlic, herbs, or spices to suit your preference.
- Try using fresh herbs instead of dried for a more intense flavor.
- Use a food mill to remove the seeds and skins from the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled or tripled.
Enjoy your homemade marinara sauce all year round! It's a delicious and convenient way to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
