Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes Canning
Spaghetti sauce is a classic staple in any pantry, but have you ever considered making your own sauce from fresh tomatoes? Not only does it taste better, but it also allows you to control the ingredients that go into your sauce. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes for canning.
Ingredients
Before getting started, gather the following ingredients:
- 20-25 lbs of fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped green bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup dried basil
- 1/4 cup dried oregano
- 1/4 cup dried thyme
- 1/4 cup dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup dried parsley
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1 can tomato paste
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your homemade spaghetti sauce:
- Wash and core the tomatoes. Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot.
- Add onions, green bell peppers, celery, carrots, and olive oil to the pot.
- Place the pot on the stove and heat it over medium heat. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and the tomatoes have released their juices.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it is smooth.
- Add sugar, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, minced garlic, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well.
- Cook the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by half and has thickened to your liking. This should take about 4-5 hours.
- Prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Fill the canning jars with the hot spaghetti sauce, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands until they are finger-tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the water and let them cool for 24 hours.
- Check the seals on the lids. If they are sealed properly, store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your spaghetti sauce:
- Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the sauce periodically and add more salt or sugar if needed.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to puree the sauce in batches.
- Make sure to leave enough headspace in the jars to allow for expansion during processing.
- Label your jars with the date and contents.
Conclusion
Making spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes for canning is a great way to enjoy the flavors of ripe tomatoes all year round. It may seem like a daunting task, but it is worth the effort. Plus, you can customize the sauce to your liking and control the ingredients that go into it. Follow our step-by-step guide and enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce!