Canning Homemade Salsa
A delightful salsa recipe perfect for preserving the vibrant flavors of summer, easy to make and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 12 cups fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (Roma tomatoes work great)
- 2 cups bell peppers, chopped (green, red, or a mix)
- 1 cup onions, chopped (yellow or red)
- 1-2 pieces jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Liquid Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup vinegar (to ensure acidity for safe canning)
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Equipment
- Canning jars (quart or pint)
- Canning lids and rings
- Water bath canner or large pot with rack
- Jar tongs
- Funnel and ladle
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Peel and chop tomatoes, remove seeds from peppers, and finely chop the onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Cooking
- In a large pot, combine tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice, vinegar, salt, cumin, and black pepper. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to incorporate the seasonings.
Canning
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water or the dishwasher. Set them aside to cool.
- Using a ladle and funnel, pour the hot salsa into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe rims to ensure proper sealing.
- Place lids and rings on jars, finger-tighten, and process in a boiling water bath for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove jars carefully and allow them to cool. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños. If you like a thicker salsa, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the liquid. Adding fresh cilantro is optional, but it does enhance the flavor! Try adding corn or black beans for variation.