There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza sauce. Whether you’re a fan of classic Margherita or more adventurous toppings, the sauce is the foundation of the perfect pie. While store-bought pizza sauce is an option, making your own can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Plus, by making your own canned pizza sauce, you can enjoy it anytime and preserve the flavors of summer tomatoes all year long.

Here’s how to make homemade canned pizza sauce:

Ingredients:
– 10 pounds of ripe tomatoes, preferably Roma
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:
1. First, prepare the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for about a minute, then transferring them to an ice water bath. This will make it easier to peel the skins off.

2. Once the tomatoes are peeled, remove the cores and chop them roughly. Set aside.

3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the oregano, basil, salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.

6. Once the sauce is done, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be sure to let the sauce cool before blending.

7. While the sauce is cooking, prepare your canning jars and lids by washing them with hot soapy water and sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.

8. Once the sauce is ready, ladle it into the prepared canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, then place the lids on and screw on the bands until just fingertip tight.

9. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes. Once the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel on the counter.

10. Once cooled, check the seals on the jars to ensure they are airtight. Store the canned pizza sauce in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Now you have homemade canned pizza sauce that is perfect for all your pizza-making adventures. Whether you’re making a simple margherita pizza or experimenting with unique toppings, this sauce will elevate your homemade pizza to the next level. Enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long and savor the rich flavors of summer tomatoes in every bite.