Whether you’ve just harvested a surplus of tomatoes from your garden or have bought a bulk of bright, juicy tomatoes from the farmers market, there’s no need to let them go to waste. Preserve the flavors of summer by making a big batch of homemade spaghetti sauce with fresh tomatoes. Not only does this allow you to enjoy the taste of summer all year round, but it also saves you money and ensures that you have a quick and delicious meal on hand whenever you need it.
The key to preserving fresh tomatoes in spaghetti sauce is to utilize the canning process. Canning is a simple and effective way to preserve the flavor and freshness of tomatoes while also extending their shelf life. By following a few easy steps, you can create a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce that will last for months to come.
To get started, you’ll need a large stockpot, canning jars, lids, and bands, along with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and other ingredients for your spaghetti sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients:
– 10 pounds fresh tomatoes
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, remove the skins and core the tomatoes, then chop them into small pieces.
2. In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
6. While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Once the sauce is ready, ladle it into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
7. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands until they are finger-tight.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes. Once processed, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel for 12-24 hours.
Once the jars have cooled, check to make sure the lids have sealed properly. If they have, your spaghetti sauce is now preserved and ready to enjoy at your convenience.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can preserve the taste of fresh tomatoes in a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce that will bring the flavors of summer to your table all year round. Happy canning!