Homemade Spaghetti Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes For Canning
Spaghetti is an all-time favorite dish for many people. It's delicious, easy to make, and can be customized to fit any taste. However, one of the key ingredients in spaghetti sauce - canned tomatoes - can contain preservatives and additives that are not ideal for a healthy diet. That's why making your own spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes for canning is a great option. It's healthier, more delicious, and you can make a large batch that can last for months.
Why Homemade Spaghetti Sauce?
Homemade spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes is a healthier and more delicious option compared to canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes often contain preservatives and additives, which can be harmful to health in the long run. Homemade sauce allows you to control the quality of ingredients used and customize it to your liking. Additionally, making a large batch of homemade spaghetti sauce and canning it for later use saves you time and money.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you start making homemade spaghetti sauce, you'll need to gather the necessary ingredients. You'll need fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried herbs like oregano and basil. You can also add other ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or ground beef to add more flavor and texture to your sauce.
Preparing the Tomatoes
The first step in making homemade spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes is preparing the tomatoes. Start by washing the tomatoes and removing the stems. Then, cut an "X" on the bottom of each tomato. This will make it easier to peel off the skin later. Next, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin and discard it.
Making the Sauce
Now it's time to make the sauce. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add the peeled and diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it simmer, the richer and more flavorful the sauce will be. Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Canning the Sauce
Once the sauce is done, it's time to can it. Start by sterilizing your canning jars and lids. Then, fill the jars with the hot sauce, leaving about a half-inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and place the lids on top. Finally, process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 40 minutes. Once processed, remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel. You'll know the jars are properly sealed when you hear a "pop" sound.
Conclusion
Homemade spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes for canning is a healthier and more delicious option compared to canned tomatoes. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make a large batch of sauce that will last for months. By following the steps outlined above, you can make your own homemade spaghetti sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends.
