Homemade Pizza Sauce Canning 101

There is nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza sauce. The rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs bring a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with store-bought sauces. If you have a surplus of fresh tomatoes from your garden or local farmers market, canning your own pizza sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy them throughout the year.

Canning your own pizza sauce may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun and rewarding process. Here is a step-by-step guide to homemade pizza sauce canning 101.

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

To make homemade pizza sauce, you will need:

– 10 pounds of ripe tomatoes
– 2 onions, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons of dried basil
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar

Step 2: Prepare your tomatoes

Start by washing and quartering your tomatoes. Remove the stems and any blemishes, then transfer them to a large pot. Heat the pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices. This should take about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Blend the mixture

Once the tomatoes have broken down, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. You can also transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor to achieve the same result.

Step 4: Cook the sauce

Return the tomato puree to the pot and add the onions, garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half.

Step 5: Add the vinegar

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Can the sauce

While the sauce is cooking, prepare your canning equipment. Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Carefully ladle the hot sauce into the hot jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands.

Step 7: Process the jars

Place the filled jars back into the boiling water and process for 35 minutes. Once the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water and let them cool at room temperature. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound, indicating that the jars have sealed properly.

Homemade pizza sauce canning is a simple way to preserve the flavors of the summer season and enjoy them throughout the year. With just a few simple ingredients and some time in the kitchen, you can create a delicious, flavorful sauce that will elevate your homemade pizzas to the next level. So why not give it a try and experience the joy of canning your own pizza sauce?