Making your own canned pizza sauce at home is a great way to save money and customize the flavors to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that will elevate your homemade pizzas to a whole new level. Plus, by canning the sauce, you can enjoy it all year round – no need to rely on store-bought options that may be packed with preservatives and additives.

To get started, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste

First, you will need to blanch and peel the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Score the bottom of each tomato with an “X” and then carefully place them in the boiling water for about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water to cool. Once cooled, you can easily peel off the skins.

Next, chop the peeled tomatoes and remove the seeds. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Allow the tomatoes to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

After the tomatoes have cooked down and released their juices, it’s time to add the seasonings. Stir in the oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it at this point.

Now comes the canning process. Prepare your jars and lids by sterilizing them in boiling water for a few minutes. Carefully ladle the hot pizza sauce into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and then seal them with the lids and rings. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 35 minutes, and then let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.

With this easy homemade canned pizza sauce recipe, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of fresh, homemade sauce on your pizzas anytime you please. Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature sauce, and don’t be afraid to add some heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Once you try this homemade version, you may never want to go back to store-bought pizza sauce again. Happy canning!