Canning Spaghetti Sauce In Quart Jars
Canning spaghetti sauce in quart jars is a great way to preserve your homemade sauce and enjoy it throughout the year. Not only does it save money, but it also ensures that you're eating healthy and delicious sauce without any harmful preservatives. In this article, we'll go over the steps you need to take to can spaghetti sauce in quart jars, including the equipment you'll need, the ingredients, and the process.
Equipment Needed
Before you start canning spaghetti sauce in quart jars, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Here's what you'll need:
- Quart-sized canning jars with lids and bands
- A large pot for boiling water
- A pressure canner
- A jar lifter
- A funnel
- A ladle
- A bubble remover tool
- A towel or cloth for wiping jars
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to make spaghetti sauce:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Green bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper
The Process
Now that you have all the equipment and ingredients, it's time to start canning spaghetti sauce in quart jars:
- Wash your canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. Then, sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Prepare your spaghetti sauce by washing and chopping your tomatoes, onions, garlic, green bell peppers, and mushrooms. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the vegetables until they're soft. Add salt, pepper, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes.
- Remove the sterilized jars from the hot water using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel or cloth. Use a funnel to fill each jar with spaghetti sauce, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top.
- Use a bubble remover tool to remove any air bubbles in the jar. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean towel or cloth to remove any sauce or debris.
- Place a lid on each jar and tighten the band. Don't overtighten the band, or the air won't be able to escape during the canning process.
- Place the jars in a pressure canner and add water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Process the jars at 10 pounds of pressure for 25 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel or cloth. Check the seals on the lids by pressing the center of the lid. If it doesn't move, the jar is properly sealed. If it does move, the jar isn't sealed and should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
Conclusion
Canning spaghetti sauce in quart jars is a great way to preserve your homemade sauce and enjoy it throughout the year. Just make sure you have all the necessary equipment, ingredients, and follow the proper canning process to ensure safety and longevity. Now that you know how to can spaghetti sauce in quart jars, you can enjoy delicious and healthy sauce all year round.