Recipe Spaghetti Sauce for Canning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Homemade Sauce
Do you crave the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce but lack the time to make it fresh every time? Look no further! This recipe for canning spaghetti sauce will allow you to enjoy the rich flavor of your homemade sauce all year round.
What You'll Need:
- Ingredients:
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- Equipment:
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (optional)
- Canning jars (pint or quart size)
- Canning lids and rings
- Water bath canner
- Jar lifter
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sauce:
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Optional: Use an immersion blender to achieve a smoother consistency, but this is not necessary.
2. Preparing the Jars:
- Wash the canning jars, lids, and rings thoroughly with hot soapy water.
- Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a water bath for 10 minutes.
- Important: Do not sterilize the lids as this can affect their seal.
3. Filling and Sealing the Jars:
- Hot Pack Method: Heat the sauce to a rolling boil for 1 minute before filling the sterilized jars. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean damp cloth to remove any food particles.
- Important: Do not overfill the jars as this can prevent proper sealing.
- Place a lid on each jar and screw the ring on until fingertip tight. Do not overtighten.
4. Water Bath Canning:
- Place the filled jars in a water bath canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 35 minutes for pint jars and 45 minutes for quart jars. This ensures the sauce is properly preserved.
- Important: Adjust processing times based on your altitude. Consult a reliable canning guide for accurate times.
5. Cooling and Storage:
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter.
- Place them on a clean towel and allow them to cool completely.
- As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. This indicates a successful canning process.
- Once cooled, check the lids to ensure they are sealed properly.
- Store the canned spaghetti sauce in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature sauce.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of different types of tomatoes.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference.
- Label your jars with the date of canning for easy reference.
Enjoy Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce!
Now you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade spaghetti sauce any time of year. Simply open a jar, heat it up, and serve it over your favorite pasta.
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