Making Spaghetti Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes For Canning
There's nothing quite like the taste of homemade spaghetti sauce made from fresh tomatoes. Not only is it healthier than store-bought alternatives, but it also allows you to customize the sauce to your personal taste. And the best part? You can make a big batch and can it for later use. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes for canning.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need:
- 20-30 pounds of fresh tomatoes
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 1 head of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (for acidity)
Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your own spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes:
- Wash and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. You can remove the skins by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then placing them in ice water.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half.
- Add the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well. Simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice to the pot and stir well. This will help increase the acidity of the sauce, which is important for canning.
- Puree the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- If you plan on canning the sauce, make sure to sterilize your jars and lids first. Spoon the hot sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth and then seal the jars with the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the best spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes:
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don't be afraid to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
- If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried ones instead. Just remember to adjust the quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Make sure to use a large pot since the sauce will reduce in volume as it cooks.
- Be patient! The longer you simmer the sauce, the better the flavor will be.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes for canning is a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and healthy sauce that's perfect for pasta, pizza, and more. So why not give it a try?
