Are you a pizza lover who wants to enjoy the flavors of homemade pizza sauce all year round? Do you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes or spices from your garden that you want to preserve for the coming months? If so, then DIY pizza sauce canning is the perfect way to achieve both of these goals.

Canning your own pizza sauce is a great way to ensure that you always have a tasty and preservative-free sauce on hand for whenever a pizza craving strikes. Plus, it allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. With just a few simple steps, you can preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy them well into the fall and winter months.

To get started, you will need a few essential ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:
– Fresh tomatoes, preferably Roma or San Marzano
– Onions
– Garlic
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme

Equipment:
– Large stockpot
– Canning jars and lids
– Canning funnel
– Jar lifter
– Kitchen towels
– Water bath canner

Now that you have everything you need, here’s how to make and can your own pizza sauce:

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash, core, and blanch the tomatoes to easily remove the skins. Once the skins are removed, chop the tomatoes and set them aside.

2. Saute the onions and garlic: In a large stockpot, saute chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they are softened and aromatic.

3. Add the tomatoes and simmer: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and let them simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help break down the tomatoes and release their juices to create a thick and flavorful sauce.

4. Season the sauce: Once the tomatoes are cooked down, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

5. Prepare the jars: While the sauce is simmering, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in a large pot of water for at least 10 minutes. Keep them warm until you’re ready to fill them.

6. Fill and process the jars: Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot sauce into the warm jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean kitchen towel to ensure a proper seal, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight. Once all the jars are filled, process them in a water bath canner for the recommended time for your altitude.

7. Cool and store: Once the jars have been processed, carefully remove them from the canner and place them on a kitchen towel to cool. As the jars cool, you should hear a satisfying “pop” as the lids seal. Once they have cooled completely, check the seals and store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade pizza sauce all year round. Whether you grow your own tomatoes or pick them up at the farmers’ market, canning your own pizza sauce is a rewarding and budget-friendly way to preserve the flavors of summer. So why not give DIY pizza sauce canning a try and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your sauce while savoring the taste of homemade pizza all year long.