Preserving the Season: Homemade Pizza Sauce Canning

There’s something undeniably satisfying about preserving the flavors of the season to enjoy throughout the year. One popular way to do this is by canning homemade pizza sauce. Not only is homemade pizza sauce a delicious addition to any pizza, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to make use of an abundance of ripe tomatoes from your garden or local farmer’s market.

To start the process of making and canning your own pizza sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients and supplies. First, gather fresh, ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. You’ll also need canning jars with lids and rings, a large stockpot, a food mill or blender, and a water bath canner.

Begin by preparing the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds and then transferring them to an ice water bath. This will make it easier to peel off the skins. Once they are peeled, cut the tomatoes into chunks and cook them in a large stockpot, together with the onions and garlic, until they are soft and have released their juices.

Next, use a food mill or blender to puree the cooked tomatoes, onions, and garlic until you have a smooth sauce. Return the sauce to the stockpot and add in your desired herbs and seasonings. Let the sauce simmer for a while to allow the flavors to meld together.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in the water bath canner. Once the jars are ready, carefully ladle the hot pizza sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean, place the lids and rings on top, and process the jars in a water bath canner for the recommended amount of time.

After the jars have been processed and cooled, check to make sure they have sealed properly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place and use within a year for best quality.

Canning homemade pizza sauce is a wonderful way to capture the flavors of the season and enjoy them all year round. Not only does it provide a delicious and convenient option for making homemade pizzas, but it also allows you to savor the taste of ripe, fresh tomatoes long after the growing season has ended.

So, if you find yourself with an abundance of ripe tomatoes, consider trying your hand at canning homemade pizza sauce. You’ll be rewarded with a pantry stocked full of delicious sauce that will transport you back to the flavors of summer with each bite.