What To Know
- Whether you’re a novice canner or an experienced home cook, this step-by-step tutorial will empower you to preserve the goodness of fresh tomatoes and create delicious sauces that will enhance any pasta dish.
- Using a jar lifter and canning funnel, carefully fill the prepared jars with the hot spaghetti sauce, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel or cooling rack.
Capture the flavors of summer and enjoy homemade spaghetti sauce all year round with this comprehensive guide on how to jar spaghetti sauce. Whether you’re a novice canner or an experienced home cook, this step-by-step tutorial will empower you to preserve the goodness of fresh tomatoes and create delicious sauces that will enhance any pasta dish.
Ingredients
The foundation of a flavorful spaghetti sauce lies in the quality of its ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 12 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 6-8 cloves garlic
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato paste (optional)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Equipment
To ensure a safe and successful canning experience, gather the following equipment:
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
- Water bath canner or pressure canner
- Jar tongs
- Towels or cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and remove any blemishes.
- Cut the tomatoes in half and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and green peppers. Sauté until softened and translucent.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
- Add the chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Add Tomato Paste (Optional)
- If desired, add 1 cup of tomato paste to enhance the flavor and color of the sauce.
- Stir thoroughly and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Prepare the Jars
- Wash and sterilize the canning jars, lids, and rings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Fill the Jars
- Using a jar lifter and canning funnel, carefully fill the prepared jars with the hot spaghetti sauce, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any sauce residue.
7. Seal the Jars
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the rings finger-tight.
8. Process the Jars
- Using a Water Bath Canner: Place the jars in a water bath canner filled with 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 35 minutes.
- Using a Pressure Canner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing the jars in a pressure canner.
9. Cool and Store
- Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel or cooling rack.
- Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- Do not overfill the jars, as it can prevent proper sealing.
- Process the jars according to the recommended time and method to ensure safety.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place to preserve their quality.
Troubleshooting
- Jar lids did not seal: Ensure that the jars were properly sterilized and that the lids were placed on correctly.
- Sauce is too thick: Add a small amount of water or tomato juice to the sauce before canning.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for longer to reduce its liquid content.
Wrap-Up: Preserve the Flavors of Summer
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to jar spaghetti sauce with confidence. Preserve the summer’s harvest and enjoy homemade spaghetti sauces that will tantalize your taste buds all year round. Embrace the satisfaction of creating a pantry filled with the flavors of your own kitchen, and share the joy of homemade sauces with loved ones.
Information You Need to Know
Q: How long will the spaghetti sauce last in jars?
A: Properly canned and stored spaghetti sauce will last for up to 1 year.
Q: Can I use a regular pot to process the jars?
A: No, it is essential to use a water bath canner or pressure canner to ensure proper sealing and safety.
Q: Is it safe to add meat to the spaghetti sauce before canning?
A: Yes, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the spaghetti sauce before canning. However, it is important to process the jars in a pressure canner to ensure safety.
