There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza sauce. With the perfect blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, it can take your homemade pizzas to the next level. The best part is, it’s easy and cost-effective to make a large batch and can it for later use. If you’re a pizza lover and want to know how to can the perfect homemade pizza sauce, then you’re in the right place!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making and canning your very own pizza sauce:

Ingredients:
– 8 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 6 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:
1. Prepare the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, score the bottoms of the tomatoes with a sharp knife and remove the stems. Once the water is boiling, add the tomatoes and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Remove the tomatoes from the water and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, the skins should easily peel off. Remove the skins and cut the tomatoes in half, removing the seeds and excess liquid.

2. Cook the sauce: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add the prepared tomatoes to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the herbs and spices: Once the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened, add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Blend the sauce: Using an immersion blender or regular blender, carefully blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier sauce, blend just until slightly chunky.

5. Can the sauce: Prepare your canning jars and lids by washing them in hot, soapy water and sterilizing them in a large pot of boiling water. Ladle the hot pizza sauce into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any sauce residue. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.

6. Process the jars: Place the filled jars in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring the jars are completely covered with water. Process the jars for 35 minutes, carefully removing them from the water using canning tongs. Place the jars on a clean towel and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, check the lids for a secure seal. If the lids pop when pressed, they have not sealed properly and should be refrigerated and used within a week.

Now that you have canned your homemade pizza sauce, it will be ready to use whenever you’re in the mood for pizza. Simply open a jar, spread the sauce on your pizza dough, and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious, homemade pizza from start to finish!