Recipe For Canning Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
There's something special about homemade spaghetti sauce. It's richer and more flavorful than anything you can buy in a jar, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Plus, when you can your own sauce, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long. In this article, we'll show you how to make and can your own homemade spaghetti sauce.
Ingredients
Before you get started, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 20 pounds of tomatoes
- 2 large onions, diced
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 2 cups of white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
Make sure to choose high-quality, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can use any variety of tomato you like, but many people prefer plum tomatoes because they have less water and more flesh.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here's how to make and can your own homemade spaghetti sauce:
- Wash your tomatoes and remove any stems. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot.
- Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the mixture until it's smooth.
- Add the vinegar, salt, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
- Let the mixture simmer for another hour or so, stirring occasionally, until it's thick and rich.
- While the sauce is cooking, prepare your canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- When the sauce is ready, use a ladle to fill each jar, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and place the lids on top.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes for pint jars or 40 minutes for quart jars.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel-lined countertop.
- Check the seals of the jars to make sure they are tight. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to make your homemade spaghetti sauce even better:
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor. Some people like to add bay leaves, rosemary, or thyme to their sauce.
- If your sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- If you don't have access to fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes instead. Just make sure to drain them before you use them.
- Label your jars with the date and the contents so you know what you have and when you made it.
Conclusion
Canning your own homemade spaghetti sauce is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic canning equipment, you can make a rich, flavorful sauce that's perfect for pasta, pizza, and more. Whether you're an experienced canner or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.