If you love making homemade pizza, then you know that the sauce is a crucial component of a delicious pie. While store-bought pizza sauce is convenient, there’s something so satisfying about making your own sauce from scratch. And if you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden or local farmers market, then canning your homemade pizza sauce is a great way to preserve the flavors of summer for year-round pizza enjoyment.

Canning your own pizza sauce is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, having jars of homemade sauce on hand means you can whip up a pizza whenever the craving strikes, without having to run to the store.

Here’s a simple guide to canning your own homemade pizza sauce:

Ingredients:
– 15 pounds of tomatoes
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:
1. Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.

2. Score the bottoms of the tomatoes with an “X” and blanch them in a pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Remove the tomatoes and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water. Once they have cooled, peel off the skins and remove the cores.

3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

4. Crush the peeled tomatoes and add them to the pot with the onion and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked tomatoes until smooth.

6. Add the salt, sugar, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Ladle the hot sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and place the lids on top.

8. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and let them cool on a towel-lined counter. Check the seals after 24 hours to ensure they are tight.

Once your homemade pizza sauce is canned and cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. When you’re ready to make pizza, simply open a jar and spread the delicious homemade sauce onto your pizza dough. The flavors of the fresh tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics will elevate your pizza to a whole new level.

Canning your own homemade pizza sauce is a rewarding and delicious way to preserve the flavors of summer. Give it a try and enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long!