Canning homemade pizza sauce is a great way to preserve your summer tomatoes and enjoy the taste of delicious, fresh sauce all year round. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can master the art of canning pizza sauce and enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.
To start, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients and equipment. For this recipe, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, sugar, and citric acid. You’ll also need canning jars, lids, and a water bath canner.
The first step is to prepare the tomatoes. Wash and core the tomatoes, then blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes. After blanching, remove the skins and chop the tomatoes, removing the seeds and excess moisture.
Next, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Then add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and sugar, and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens.
Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to prepare the canning jars. Wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry them thoroughly. Place the jars in a water bath canner, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the jars simmer for 10 minutes to sterilize them.
While the jars are sterilizing, add citric acid to each jar. This helps to maintain the sauce’s acidity, which is essential for safe canning. Then, fill the jars with the hot pizza sauce, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars to remove any residue, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands.
Once the jars are prepared, it’s time to process them in the water bath canner. Place the jars back into the canner, making sure they are covered with at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for about 35 minutes.
After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel. Once they have cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of the lid. If the lid doesn’t move, the jars are properly sealed. Store the jars in a cool, dark place and enjoy your homemade pizza sauce throughout the year.
Mastering the art of canning homemade pizza sauce is a rewarding experience. Not only will you have a delicious sauce to use for homemade pizzas and other dishes, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you preserved the flavors of summer for the months ahead. With the right ingredients, techniques, and equipment, you can enjoy the taste of fresh, homemade pizza sauce no matter the season.