If you’re a pizza lover, you know that homemade pizza sauce can make all the difference in the world. Canning your own pizza sauce not only allows you to enjoy the fresh taste of tomatoes and herbs all year round, but it also saves money and reduces food waste.

Here’s the ultimate guide to canning homemade pizza sauce:

Ingredients:

– 20 pounds of fresh tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 onions, chopped
– 6 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons dried oregano
– 2 tablespoons dried basil
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tomatoes by washing and removing any stems. Then, blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Peel the skins off the tomatoes and remove the cores.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.

3. Add the peeled and cored tomatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Use a potato masher to break down the tomatoes and release their juices.

4. Add the dried oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer the sauce for 1-2 hours, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

5. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until it is smooth.

6. While the sauce is still hot, ladle it into sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and seal them with sterilized lids and rings.

7. Process the jars in a hot water bath for 35 minutes, making sure the water is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. After processing, remove the jars from the water and let them cool on a towel.

8. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lids. If the lids do not pop back, the jars are sealed and can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Canning your own homemade pizza sauce is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. Whether you’re making pizza, pasta, or any other dish that calls for tomato sauce, having homemade sauce on hand will elevate your cooking to a whole new level. So, roll up your sleeves and get canning!