Pizza sauce is a staple in any kitchen, especially for those who love making their own pizzas at home. There’s nothing quite like the flavor of a homemade pizza sauce, and the best part is that it can easily be canned and stored for future use. By making your own pizza sauce for canning, you can ensure that you have a delicious and preservative-free option at your fingertips for all of your pizza making needs.

Making homemade pizza sauce for canning is a simple and rewarding process. To get started, gather the following ingredients:

– 4 lbs of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

To begin, you will need to blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once the tomatoes are cool, the skins can easily be peeled off. Next, chop the tomatoes and remove the seeds (optional) before setting them aside in a large bowl.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the fresh herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully. Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, it is ready to be canned.

Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Carefully ladle the hot pizza sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then place the lids and bands on the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.

After the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool. As the jars cool, you may hear the lids pop as they seal, which is a satisfying sound indicating a successful canning process.

Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid does not move, the jar is sealed. Label your jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

With this simple recipe for homemade pizza sauce for canning, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of homemade pizza any time you like. Whether you are making pizza for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a pizza party with friends and family, having your own supply of homemade pizza sauce on hand is sure to elevate your pizza game. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how easy and rewarding it can be to make your own pizza sauce for canning.