Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce For Canning
Nothing beats the taste of homemade Italian spaghetti sauce. The combination of fresh ingredients and a family recipe passed down through generations makes it a truly special dish. But have you ever considered canning your homemade sauce? It's an excellent way to preserve your sauce for long-term storage and make sure you always have a delicious meal on hand.
Why Can Your Spaghetti Sauce?
Canning your spaghetti sauce has several benefits. Firstly, it extends the shelf life of your sauce, allowing you to enjoy it for months after making it. Secondly, it saves you time and effort in the long run. Instead of making a fresh batch of sauce every time you want to enjoy spaghetti, you can simply open a jar of your canned sauce and have a delicious meal in minutes. Finally, it's a great way to share your sauce with family and friends, allowing them to enjoy your special recipe.
What You'll Need
To make homemade Italian spaghetti sauce for canning, you'll need a few key ingredients and supplies. Here's what you'll need:
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper
- Sugar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Canning jars, lids, and rings
- Large pot for boiling jars
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
The Recipe
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and supplies, it's time to start making your homemade Italian spaghetti sauce. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 20 pounds of tomatoes
- 4 onions, diced
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons of salt
- 2 teaspoons of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Wash and core the tomatoes.
- Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool.
- Peel the skins off the tomatoes and remove the seeds.
- Chop the tomatoes and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, sugar, and water to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the lemon juice to the pot and stir well.
- Use a canning funnel and ladle to transfer the hot sauce to sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth and secure the lids and rings.
- Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water and process for 35 minutes (adjust processing time for altitude if necessary).
- Remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel-lined surface for 24 hours.
- Check the seals on the jars to make sure they are tight and store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Conclusion
Canning your homemade Italian spaghetti sauce is a great way to preserve it for long-term storage and ensure you always have a delicious meal on hand. With the right ingredients and supplies, it's easy to make a batch of sauce that will last for months. So why not give it a try and share your special recipe with family and friends? They're sure to love it just as much as you do.