Spaghetti Sauce For Canning Small Batch
If you are a fan of homemade spaghetti sauce, you might want to try canning your own small batch. Canning your spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of your garden-fresh tomatoes, and it also saves you money in the long run. However, canning can be a little intimidating if you have never done it before. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make spaghetti sauce for canning small batch.
Why Make Your Own Spaghetti Sauce for Canning?
Making your spaghetti sauce for canning has several benefits. First, you are in control of the ingredients you use, and you can customize your sauce to your liking. Second, homemade spaghetti sauce is usually healthier than store-bought ones since it does not contain any preservatives. Third, you can save money by buying fresh tomatoes when they are in season and canning them for later use.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce for Canning Small Batch
Before you start making your spaghetti sauce for canning, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
- 10 pounds of tomatoes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
Instructions for Making Spaghetti Sauce for Canning Small Batch
Now that you have all the ingredients, it is time to start making your spaghetti sauce for canning. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Wash the tomatoes and remove the stems. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped red and green bell peppers, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot.
- Stir the ingredients together and bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 40 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool down for about 10 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the sauce until it is smooth. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to do it in batches and let the sauce cool down before blending.
- Add the red wine vinegar and olive oil to the sauce and stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a boil over medium-high heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until it thickens to your liking.
- While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once the sauce is ready, ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and place the lids on top.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes if using pint-sized jars or 45 minutes if using quart-sized jars.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool down completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Making Spaghetti Sauce for Canning Small Batch
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect spaghetti sauce for canning small batch:
- Use high-quality, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Make sure to remove the stems from the tomatoes before cooking.
- Chop the vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more or less salt, pepper, and spices depending on your taste.
- Use a large pot to avoid splatters and spills.
- Blend the sauce until it is smooth to avoid any lumps in the finished product.
- Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when preparing your canning jars and lids.
- Check the jars for any signs of spoilage before using the sauce. If you notice any bulging lids or off smells, discard the sauce immediately.
Conclusion
Making your spaghetti sauce for canning small batch can seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and instructions, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the tips and steps outlined in this article, you can make a delicious and healthy spaghetti sauce that you can enjoy all year round. So go ahead and give it a try!
