Classic Tomato Sauce
A delightful way to preserve the taste of summer tomatoes by making a rich and flavorful homemade tomato sauce that can be enjoyed all year round.
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce Ingredients
- 10 pounds chopped paste tomatoes Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 2 big onions, chopped Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- 6 tablespoons bottled lemon juice Essential for safe canning to increase acidity.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the tomatoes and chop them into small pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
Cooking
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, usually around 30 to 45 minutes.
- Add the bottled lemon juice to the pot to help preserve the sauce and enhance the flavor.
- Once everything is well combined and thick, remove the pot from heat.
Canning
- While the sauce is cooking, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water.
- Pour the hot sauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with the lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 35-40 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
- Remove the jars and cool them on a clean towel or rack for 24 hours.
Notes
Perfect for serving over spaghetti, on pizza dough, as a base for soups and stews, or with grilled vegetables. Once opened, keep leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within a week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in airtight containers. Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.