Pizza is a classic and beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all around the world. While some may opt for store-bought pizza sauce, there is nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza sauce. Not only does making your own pizza sauce provide you with a fresher and more flavorful sauce, but it also gives you the opportunity to customize it to your exact preference.
Canning your homemade pizza sauce is a great way to ensure that you always have a delicious and ready-to-use sauce on hand whenever a pizza craving strikes. Not to mention, canning your sauce allows you to preserve the peak flavors of seasonal tomatoes so you can enjoy them all year long.
If you’re new to canning, don’t worry. With the right tools and techniques, you can master the art of homemade pizza sauce canning in no time.
The first step in making homemade pizza sauce is, of course, selecting high-quality ingredients. Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential for a delicious sauce, as well as garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme. It’s also important to have the proper canning equipment, including canning jars, lids, a water bath canner, and a canning funnel.
Once you have your ingredients and equipment ready, you can start making the pizza sauce. Start by washing and chopping the tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Then, cook the tomatoes in a large pot until they have softened and reduced down. Add in the onions, garlic, and herbs, and let the mixture simmer until it has thickened to the desired consistency.
After your sauce is ready, it’s time to start the canning process. First, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in hot water for a few minutes. Using a canning funnel, carefully ladle the hot pizza sauce into the jars, leaving about half an inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands.
Next, place the filled jars into the water bath canner and process them for the recommended amount of time, usually around 35-40 minutes. Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a clean towel to cool. As the jars cool, you will hear a satisfying popping sound as the lids seal – this is a sign that your pizza sauce is safely preserved.
Once the jars have cooled completely, check that the lids are sealed by pressing down on the center of the lid. If the lid is firm and doesn’t pop back, the jar is properly sealed and can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Mastering the art of homemade pizza sauce canning may take a little practice, but the delicious results are well worth the effort. With a pantry stocked full of homemade pizza sauce, you can whip up a tasty pizza at a moment’s notice, and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. So grab your canning supplies and get ready to enjoy the satisfaction of creating your very own homemade pizza sauce.