canning pizza or spaghetti sauce from fresh tomatoes
Alfonzo Teet
Ingredients
- **Fresh Tomatoes** - The base ingredient for your homemade pizza or spaghetti sauce.
- **Garlic Cloves** - Enhances the flavor of both dishes, making them more delicious.
- **Onion (Optional)** - Adds a sweet and savory depth to the sauce; optional in pizza toppings but recommended in sauces.
- **Olive Oil** - Used for sautéing onions and garlic, and can be drizzled on top for extra flavor.
- **Salt** - A key ingredient for seasoning your pizza or spaghetti sauce. Use according to taste.
- **Sugar (Optional)** - A small amount can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes; optional in pizza but recommended in sauces.
- **Fresh Herbs (e.g., Basil, Oregano, Thyme)** - These add a burst of freshness and aromatic notes to your dish. Ideal for spaghetti sauce.
- **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)** - For a spicy kick that can be adjusted to taste.
- **Vinegar or Lemon Juice** - Helps in balancing the flavors and thickening the sauce slightly; optional but recommended.
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Steps
### How to Make Canning Pizza Sauce or Spaghetti Sauce from Fresh Tomatoes
Making your own canning pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce is a rewarding project that ensures you have delicious, homemade condiments ready for any meal! This guide will walk you through creating these sauces using fresh tomatoes, ensuring they are safe and shelf-stable. Follow these detailed steps to enjoy the flavors of summer all year round.
#### Materials Needed:
- Fresh ripe tomatoes
- Salt (preferably pickling salt)
- Water
- Sugar or honey (optional for sweetness)
- Garlic cloves (optional for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for finishing touch)
#### Steps to Make Canning Pizza Sauce:
1. **Prep Your Tomatoes:**
- Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under cold water.
- Use a paring knife or your fingers, gently rub each tomato to remove the skin. Alternatively, you can blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then plunge into ice water to make peeling easier.
2. **Cook the Tomatoes:**
- In a large pot, place peeled tomatoes and add enough water to cover.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the tomatoes are soft (about 30 minutes).
3. **Blend the Sauce:**
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture into a food processor or blender in batches.
- Blend until smooth, adding salt and olive oil as needed.
4. **Cook Down the Sauce:**
- Return the blended tomatoes to the pot and simmer for about 1-2 hours on medium heat, stirring occasionally. This process helps reduce the volume and intensifies the flavors.
5. **Adding Flavors (Optional):**
- Add garlic cloves or a touch of sugar/honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
#### Steps to Make Canning Spaghetti Sauce:
1. **Prepare Tomatoes:**
- Follow the same prep steps as for pizza sauce, ensuring you have peeled and chopped tomatoes ready.
2. **Cooking Process:**
- In a large pot, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. **Season and Flavoring:**
- Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs like basil or oregano to taste.
- Taste test frequently and adjust as necessary.
4. **Canning Your Sauce:**
- Use a water bath canner for safe home-canned tomato products.
- Fill jars with the hot sauce, leaving 1/4 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
- Wipe rims clean, apply lids, and process according to your local pressure canner guidelines (usually 20-30 minutes).
#### Tips for Canning Success:
- Always use tested recipes from reliable sources such as USDA or Ball Jars to ensure safety.
- Follow strict sanitation practices when handling jars and utensils.
- Label each jar with the date and type of sauce.
By following these detailed steps, you can create delicious, shelf-stable pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce that will be a hit at your dinner table all year long!