Canning Spaghetti Sauce In The Oven
Canning spaghetti sauce in the oven is a great way to preserve your favorite homemade sauce for later use. This method is easy and convenient, allowing you to make large batches of sauce and store them for future use. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to can spaghetti sauce in the oven.
What You Will Need
Before you start canning spaghetti sauce in the oven, you will need to gather some supplies. Here's what you'll need:
- 4-6 pint-sized canning jars with lids and rings
- A large stockpot or Dutch oven
- A canning funnel
- A ladle
- A clean cloth or towel
- A jar lifter
- A large baking dish or roasting pan
- A food processor or blender
- Fresh ingredients for your spaghetti sauce (tomatoes, onions, garlic, etc.)
Preparing Your Spaghetti Sauce
The first step in canning spaghetti sauce in the oven is to prepare your sauce. You can use any recipe you like, but it's important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
- 10-12 pounds of fresh tomatoes
- 2-3 onions, chopped
- 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Begin by washing and chopping your tomatoes. Remove the stems and any blemishes, then cut them into quarters. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Add the tomatoes and the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Processing Your Jars
While your spaghetti sauce is simmering, you can begin processing your canning jars. Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. Wash your jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water, then rinse them thoroughly. Place your jars in a large baking dish or roasting pan and put them in the oven to sterilize.
Let the jars heat in the oven for at least 20 minutes, then remove them using a clean cloth or towel. Be careful not to touch the inside of the jars or lids with your bare hands, as this can contaminate them.
Filling Your Jars
Once your jars are sterilized and your spaghetti sauce is ready, it's time to fill your jars. Use a canning funnel and a ladle to carefully transfer the hot sauce into each jar, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Use a clean cloth or towel to wipe any spills or drips off the rim of each jar.
Place a lid on each jar, then screw on a ring until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten the rings, as this can prevent the jars from sealing properly.
Canning Your Jars
Now that your jars are filled, it's time to can them in the oven. Place your filled jars back in the baking dish or roasting pan, making sure they are not touching each other. Carefully pour hot water into the pan, filling it up to about 1 inch below the tops of the jars.
Place the pan in the oven and let the jars process for 45 minutes to 1 hour. After the processing time is up, turn off the oven and let the jars cool for at least 12 hours. You should hear a popping sound as the jars seal.
Storing Your Jars
Once your jars have cooled and sealed, you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Be sure to label each jar with the date and contents so you can keep track of what you have.
Canning spaghetti sauce in the oven is a great way to preserve your homemade sauce and enjoy it throughout the year. With just a few supplies and some fresh ingredients, you can make and store large batches of sauce for your family to enjoy. Give it a try and see how easy it can be!