Homemade spaghetti sauce is a staple in many households, and canning your own sauce is a great way to preserve your fresh ingredients to enjoy all year long. Canning spaghetti sauce is not only a cost-effective way to stock your pantry, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. With the right tips and tricks, canning spaghetti sauce at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable process.
Tips and Tricks for Canning Spaghetti Sauce:
1. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: The key to a flavorful spaghetti sauce is using fresh, ripe tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are firm, but give slightly to pressure when gently squeezed.
2. Prepare your jars and lids: Before you start making your sauce, make sure your canning jars and lids are clean and in good condition. Sterilize your jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes, and then allow them to air dry. Ensure that your lids are also clean and free of any dents or damage.
3. Use a water bath canner: A water bath canner is essential for safely canning spaghetti sauce. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the canner and processing times for your specific recipe.
4. Add lemon juice or citric acid: To ensure the acidity of your spaghetti sauce is at a safe level for canning, it’s important to add either lemon juice or citric acid to each jar before processing. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause spoilage.
5. Label your jars: Once your spaghetti sauce is canned and cooled, be sure to label each jar with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of when the sauce was canned and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame.
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 15 lbs fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 tbsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Prepare your canning jars and lids as mentioned in the tips and tricks section.
2. In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the tomatoes have softened, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
4. Add the chopped basil, oregano, and parsley to the sauce, along with the sugar, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the lemon juice to each prepared jar, and then fill the jars with the hot spaghetti sauce, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
6. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and then place the lids on the jars and secure them with the canning rings.
7. Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 40 minutes, adjusting the processing time if you live at a high altitude.
8. Once processed, carefully remove the jars from the canner and allow them to cool on a towel-lined counter for 12-24 hours. Check the seals on the lids to ensure they have properly sealed before storing.
With these tips and tricks and a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. Whether you’re canning a large batch for the pantry or just making a small batch for a quick weeknight dinner, homemade spaghetti sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal.