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Fresh Classic Crushed Tomato Sauce for Canning

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A simple, reliable homemade crushed tomato sauce perfect for canning, capturing the peak summer tomato flavor with minimal hands-on time and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes (firm and ripe)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse tomatoes thoroughly and remove cores with a paring knife (about 10-15 minutes).
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Drop tomatoes in batches for about 30 seconds, then transfer immediately to ice water. Peel skins off (about 20-30 minutes total prep).
  3. Use a food mill or potato masher to crush peeled tomatoes, removing seeds if using a mill (about 10 minutes).
  4. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the pot. Stir in salt, sugar, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in lemon juice right before filling jars for safe canning and flavor preservation.
  7. Sterilize jars and lids. Fill jars with hot sauce, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids and bands on. Process jars in boiling water bath for 35 minutes (pint jars) or 40 minutes (quart jars). Remove and cool completely.

Notes

Peeling tomatoes is recommended for a smoother sauce but optional for chunkier texture. Stir regularly during simmering to prevent burning. Use lemon juice and proper water bath canning times to ensure safe preservation. Variations include swapping basil for other herbs or adjusting spice level with red pepper flakes or cayenne. Sauce can also be made in a slow cooker over 6-8 hours on low after peeling and crushing tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crushed tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, canning tomato sauce, fresh tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, classic tomato sauce, summer tomato sauce

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/fresh-classic-crushed-tomato-sauce-for-canning-easy-homemade-recipe/