Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta - Ready-to-Use Italian Base

Are you looking for a way to capture the last of summer’s bounty and enjoy fresh, homemade Italian flavor all year long? This Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta recipe provides a delicious, ready-to-use Italian base for all your favorite pasta dishes. From spaghetti to lasagna, this sauce will elevate your meals with its rich, vibrant taste. And, because it’s home-canned, you’ll know exactly what’s in it – no added sugars or preservatives!

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What is Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta?

Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta is more than just a way to preserve tomatoes; it’s an investment in delicious, home-cooked meals. This recipe transforms fresh, ripe tomatoes into a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta. Think of it as your secret weapon against bland weeknight dinners. It’s a simple, economical, and satisfying way to enjoy the taste of summer throughout the year. Unlike store-bought sauces, this homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier option for your family.

This recipe also gives you the foundation to add spices or veggies for more delicious sauces ready to be used when you desire. Ready to ditch the store-bought sauce and embrace the fresh taste of homemade? Let’s get canning!

Key Ingredients for Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta:

20 lbs Ripe Tomatoes: Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal due to their meatiness and low seed content. Wash them thoroughly.
1 cup Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred but not essential.
2 large Onions, chopped: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
6 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
2 tbsp Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb that enhances the sauce’s flavor.
1 tbsp Dried Basil: Another essential Italian herb, complementing the oregano for a balanced flavor profile.
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat if desired.
2 tbsp Salt: Enhances the flavors and acts as a preservative.
1 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice to the sauce.
1/4 cup Lemon Juice: Added to increase acidity for safe canning according to guidelines, and brightens the flavor of the tomatoes.

How to Make Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta:

This recipe for Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta creates a vibrant, flavorful base for countless Italian dishes. It’s easy to make and well worth the time invested. The preparation is simple and takes about 3 hours. It boasts a rich tomato flavor, enhanced by herbs and aromatics.

The process involves simmering the tomatoes with onions, garlic, and herbs until they break down into a luscious sauce. This simple recipe will bring you the joy to make simple dishes in even half the time. Want to create a flavor-packed, homemade pasta sauce? Read on for the detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash, core, and roughly chop the tomatoes. For a smoother sauce, you can blanch the tomatoes for 30-60 seconds in boiling water, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will slip off easily.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and the sauce will thicken.
Process Sauce through food mill: For a smooth sauce, let cool slightly before putting batches of sauce through a food mill. If you prefer a rustic sauce, simply skip straining it.
Add Lemon Juice/Bottling: After processing add fresh lemon juice to sauce for proper canning acidity. Bring back to a simmer. Fill hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place sterilized lids on top, and screw on the bands fingertip-tight.
Process in a Boiling Water Bath: Place the sealed jars in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring they are fully submerged by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for 35 minutes for pint jars or 40 minutes for quart jars (adjust duration based on altitude – consult the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning for specific times).
Cool and Check Seals: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool. Let them cool completely, about 12-24 hours. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. After they’ve cooled, check the seals by pressing on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex and feels solid, it’s properly sealed. Any jars that didn’t seal should be refrigerated and used within a week or frozen for longer storage.

Why You’ll Love This Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta:

The best part of this canned tomato sauce is undoubtedly its flavor. It’s a vibrant, rich, and authentic taste of Italy, bursting with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savory garlic and onion. This homemade sauce far surpasses the dull taste of most store-bought varieties. Plus, canning your own sauce is a significant cost saver! Store-bought sauces can be expensive, and the price adds up quickly.

By canning your own, you’re utilizing the bounty of summer tomatoes at their peak ripeness and affordability, creating an economical pantry staple. And to make it even better, feel free to add your favorite flavors! Love a spicy sauce? Add more red pepper flakes! Want an even richer flavor? Add a splash of red wine during the simmering process. For a twist, compare this recipe to my “Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce” for a smoky, vibrant alternative. Ready to elevate your pasta dinners? Try canning this tomato sauce and savor the difference!

What to Serve Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta With:

This versatile Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta is an excellent base for a wide variety of dishes. Of course, the most obvious choice is pasta! Use it with spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you love. It’s also fantastic in lasagna, baked ziti, or other baked pasta dishes. Pair it with some homemade meatballs or Italian sausage for a hearty and satisfying meal. For a simple vegetarian option, toss the sauce with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.

To complete your Italian feast, serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or Italian salad. A crisp, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the rich sauce beautifully. Finally, don’t forget the beverages! A glass of Chianti or other dry red wine is a classic pairing with Italian cuisine. Or, opt for a non-alcoholic option like sparkling water with a slice of lemon. These sides will give a delicious meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta:

Tomato Quality is Key: Start with the best quality tomatoes you can find. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes will result in a more delicious sauce. If you’re using store-bought tomatoes, look for varieties like Roma or San Marzano, which have a meaty texture and low seed content.
Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: The long simmering time is crucial for developing the rich flavor of the sauce. Don’t be tempted to rush this step. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. You may need to add water to avoid the sauce scorching while simmering.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
Safety First: Always follow proper canning procedures to ensure the safety of your canned goods. Use sterilized jars and lids, and process the jars for the correct amount of time based on your altitude. The lemon juice addition here is of paramount importance.
Herbs add a twist: Fresh herbs like basil and oregano add a burst of flavor! Add them just before bottling for the best results.

5 Facts about Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta:

Preserves Summer’s Bounty: Canning tomato sauce allows you to enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes throughout the year.
Homemade is Healthier: Homemade tomato sauce is free from the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought sauces.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily customize the flavor of your homemade tomato sauce by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
Cost-Effective: Canning your own tomato sauce can save you money compared to buying store-bought sauce.
Shelf-Stable: Properly canned tomato sauce has a shelf life of at least one year, making it a convenient pantry staple.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storing: Jars of properly canned tomato sauce can be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place for at least one year. Once a jar is opened, store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week. Additionally, make sure there is not a broken seal before storing.

Reheating: To reheat canned tomato sauce, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir frequently to ensure even heating.

Freezing: If you have too much sauce to use within a week, you can freeze it. Allow the sauce to cool, and put into an air-tight container and store for 6-9 months.

Final Thoughts:

This Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta recipe is more than just a way to preserve tomatoes; it’s a gateway to delicious, home-cooked meals. With its rich flavor, simple ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced canners alike. So, gather your tomatoes, grab your canning supplies, and get ready to create a pantry full of flavor!

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Canning Tomato Sauce FAQs:

Can I use different types of tomatoes? While Roma and San Marzano tomatoes are recommended, you can use other varieties as well. Just be sure to choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes? Peeling the tomatoes is optional. For a smoother sauce, you can peel them before cooking. However, the cooked sauce will be sent through a food mill so peeling the tomatoes is personal preference.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce. Add them during the sautéing process with the onions and garlic.
Is the lemon juice safe? Adding lemon juice is part of the canning procedure to make sure your sauce can be stored safely. However, make sure you are using bottled juice, not fresh.

Canning Tomato Sauce for Pasta – Ready-to-Use Italian Base