Looking for a delicious way to preserve the fresh flavors of summer tomatoes? Look no further than this Ball Canning Pasta Sauce recipe. Perfect for those bountiful tomato harvests or simply for capturing the essence of the season, this homemade pasta sauce is a versatile staple to have on hand. Whip up a batch to enjoy right away or store in your pantry for a taste of summer all year long.
Title: Ball Canning Pasta Sauce
Ingredients:
– 10 lbs ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers, seeded and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and bell peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, carefully puree the tomato mixture until smooth. Be cautious working with hot liquids.
4. Return the pureed sauce to the pot and season with salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir in the fresh basil and oregano.
5. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Meanwhile, prepare your canning jars and lids according to manufacturer instructions.
7. Once the sauce has reached your preferred thickness, ladle it into the prepared jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
8. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes. Remember to adjust for altitude if necessary.
9. After processing, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a clean towel to cool. Ensure that the lids have sealed by pressing down on the center of each one. If the lids do not flex back, the jars are properly sealed.
10. Store the cooled jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate any remaining sauce and use within a week.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor by serving this homemade Ball Canning Pasta Sauce over your favorite pasta, alongside meatballs, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. Whether you’re looking to savor the flavors of summer or simply want to have a convenient staple on hand, this pasta sauce recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight in the taste of homemade goodness!
