Pizza sauce is a key ingredient in making delicious homemade pizzas. While store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, nothing beats the taste and freshness of a homemade version. One great way to preserve the abundance of fresh tomatoes from your garden is by canning your own pizza sauce. Not only is it a great way to enjoy the taste of summer all year long, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any artificial preservatives or additives.

Making your own pizza sauce may sound complicated, but it’s actually quite easy. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic canning equipment, you can have a delicious and flavorful pizza sauce ready to go whenever the craving strikes.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for canning your own pizza sauce:

Ingredients:
– 20-30 ripe tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tomatoes by washing them thoroughly and removing any stems. Cut them in half and remove the seeds and excess liquid.

2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.

3. Add the prepared tomatoes to the pot and cook them down, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and broken down.

4. Use an immersion blender to puree the tomatoes until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and puree in batches.

5. Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pureed tomatoes and simmer for another 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning jars and lids by washing them with hot soapy water and sterilizing them in boiling water.

7. Once the sauce is ready, ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a clean seal, then place the lids on top and tighten the rings.

8. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).

9. Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool on a clean towel. As the jars cool, you should hear a “pop” as the lids seal, indicating that they are airtight.

10. Once the jars have cooled completely, check the seals, label the jars, and store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

With just a few simple steps, you can create your own delicious pizza sauce and enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Canning your own pizza sauce is a great way to take advantage of the abundance of fresh tomatoes and create a convenient pantry staple that you can enjoy at any time. So next time you have an excess of fresh tomatoes, give canning your own pizza sauce a try and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own homemade pizza sauce.