Hot Water Bath Canning Spaghetti Sauce
Canning spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve the tomatoes from your garden and enjoy the taste of summer all year round. Hot water bath canning is a simple and safe method for canning spaghetti sauce at home. In this article, we will discuss the steps to follow to can spaghetti sauce using a hot water bath canning method.
What is Hot Water Bath Canning?
Hot water bath canning is a method of preserving food in jars by processing them in boiling water. This method is used for high-acid foods such as tomatoes, pickles, and jams. The high heat of the boiling water kills bacteria and creates a vacuum seal that prevents spoilage. Hot water bath canning is a safe and effective way to preserve food at home.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce
The ingredients that you will need to make spaghetti sauce are:
- 20 pounds of ripe tomatoes
- 4 cups of chopped onions
- 1 cup of chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
Steps to Follow
Follow these steps to can spaghetti sauce using a hot water bath canning method:
Step 1: Prepare the Jars and Lids
Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse well. Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water and let them boil for 10 minutes to sterilize them. Keep the jars in the hot water until you're ready to use them. Place the lids in a small pot of simmering water to soften the rubber seal. Keep the lids in the hot water until you're ready to use them.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and place them in a large pot. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery, carrots, garlic, olive oil, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 3: Fill the Jars
Using a ladle and a funnel, carefully fill the jars with the hot spaghetti sauce, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a clean knife or spatula along the inside of the jar. Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sauce or debris. Place a lid on each jar and screw on the band until it is finger-tight.
Step 4: Process the Jars
Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water, making sure they are completely covered with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and let the jars process for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel.
Conclusion
Hot water bath canning spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy them all year round. Follow the steps outlined in this article to safely can your own spaghetti sauce at home. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy homemade spaghetti sauce that is both delicious and nutritious.