Homemade Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes Canning
Nothing beats the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce made with fresh tomatoes. Canning your own sauce not only ensures that you know exactly what's going into it, but it also allows you to enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes all year round. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making and canning homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment:
- 20 lbs of fresh tomatoes
- 4 cups of chopped onions
- 2 cups of chopped green peppers
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tbsp of dried oregano
- 2 tbsp of dried basil
- 2 tbsp of dried parsley
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- Canning equipment (jars, lids, rings, canning pot, etc.)
Preparing the Tomatoes
The first step in making homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes is preparing the tomatoes. Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly and removing any stems or leaves. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and place them in a large pot.
Next, heat the pot over medium-high heat and bring the tomatoes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the tomatoes simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the tomatoes have cooked down and become soft, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
Once the tomatoes have cooled, use a food mill or a blender to puree the tomatoes. You'll want to remove the seeds and skin, so pass the puree through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove any unwanted pieces.
Making the Sauce
Now it's time to make the sauce. In a large pot, sauté the onions, green peppers, celery, and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Add the tomato puree, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper, and stir well to combine.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more flavorful it will become.
Canning the Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, it's time to can it. Start by sterilizing your jars and lids according to the instructions that came with your canning equipment. Once the jars and lids are sterilized, fill each jar with the spaghetti sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then place the lids on top and screw on the rings. Place the jars in a canning pot filled with hot water, making sure the jars are completely covered with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars process for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the jars from the canning pot and let them cool on a wire rack. Once the jars have cooled, check to make sure the lids have sealed properly. If the lids have sealed, store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Conclusion
Making homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes and canning it is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it. By following these simple steps, you'll have delicious spaghetti sauce to enjoy all year round. Whether you're making a big batch to share with friends and family or just enough to last you through the winter, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
