Are you tired of relying on store - bought tomato sauce that often comes with a long list of additives and lacks that fresh, homemade taste? Well, you're in luck! Canning tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes is not only a rewarding experience but also easier than you might think. With a step - by - step method, you can create a delicious, customizable tomato sauce right in your own kitchen.
First things first, gather your ingredients. You'll need fresh tomatoes, of course. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes are a popular choice as they have a low water content and are rich in flavor. You'll also need some basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and olive oil. Depending on your flavor preference, you can add roasted garlic or crushed red pepper flakes to give your sauce an extra kick.
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Then, score an 'X' at the bottom of each tomato. This will help you peel them easily later. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully lower the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds to a minute. You'll notice the skin starting to peel away at the 'X' mark. Immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they're cool enough to handle, peel the skins off.
After peeling the tomatoes, cut them into quarters and remove the cores. You can then put the tomatoes into a blender or food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. Some people like a chunky sauce, while others prefer a smooth one. It's all up to you!
Now, it's time to cook the sauce. Heat some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic if you're using it and sauté until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the pureed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
As the sauce simmers, it's time to add your seasonings. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you want a spicier sauce, add some crushed red pepper flakes. For a more complex flavor, you can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more concentrated and flavorful it will become. Stir it regularly to ensure even cooking. While the sauce is simmering, you can start preparing your canning jars. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water and then sterilize them in boiling water for a few minutes.
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it's time to can it. Use a ladle to carefully pour the hot sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Then, place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath. Submerge the jars in a large pot of boiling water, making sure there's at least an inch of water covering the tops of the jars. Let the jars boil for the recommended time according to the size of the jars. This will help create a vacuum seal and preserve the sauce for a long time.
After the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the boiling water and let them cool on a towel. As they cool, you'll hear a popping sound, which indicates that the jars have sealed properly. Check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If the lids don't move, the jars are sealed.
Now that you have your homemade canned tomato sauce, the possibilities are endless. When you're ready to enjoy this simmer sauce, serve it over pasta. The fresh, rich flavor of the sauce will take your pasta dish to a whole new level. You can also use it as a pizza sauce. Spread a thin layer of the sauce on a pizza crust, add your favorite toppings, and bake it in the oven for a delicious homemade pizza.
In conclusion, making and canning tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes is a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. It's a simple process that allows you to customize the sauce according to your flavor preferences. So, roll up your sleeves, head to the kitchen, and start creating your own delicious tomato sauce today!
