Preserving the Taste: Homemade Pizza Sauce Canning
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizza, and one of the key ingredients to a delicious homemade pizza is the sauce. While store-bought pizza sauce can be convenient, nothing compares to the flavor of a homemade pizza sauce made from fresh, ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs.
One way to ensure you always have a supply of homemade pizza sauce on hand is by canning it. Canning pizza sauce allows you to preserve the flavor of ripe tomatoes and herbs at their peak freshness, so you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
The process of canning pizza sauce may seem daunting at first, but with the right equipment and a good recipe, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade pizza sauce that you can can and enjoy whenever a pizza craving strikes.
Ingredients:
– 8 lbs of fresh, ripe tomatoes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 6 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath. This will make it easier to peel the tomatoes. Once peeled, chop the tomatoes and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes and red wine to the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, add the salt, sugar, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
5. While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning jars and lids by sterilizing them in boiling water. Once the sauce is ready, carefully ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
6. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, then place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes.
7. Once the jars have been processed, carefully remove them from the canner and allow them to cool to room temperature. Check the seals on the jars, and store any jars with unsealed lids in the refrigerator and use within a few days. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
With this delicious homemade pizza sauce canned and ready to use, you can easily whip up a homemade pizza whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita pizza or experimenting with new toppings, having your own homemade pizza sauce on hand will elevate the flavor of your pizzas and impress your friends and family.
Canning pizza sauce is a great way to preserve the taste of fresh, ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs, and it’s a rewarding way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start canning your own homemade pizza sauce today!