I am to try making my own canned tomato sauce recipe after growing tired of the store-bought versions, which often lacked depth and flavor.
Inspired by the abundance of ripe tomatoes in my garden, I wanted to create a rich, fresh sauce that I could enjoy throughout the year.
The idea came to me one afternoon when I was making a simple pasta dish and realized how much better homemade tomato sauce would elevate the meal.
What sets this canned tomato sauce recipe apart is its balance of sweet and tangy flavors, achieved by adding a bit of sugar to balance the acidity and lemon juice for preservation.
The slow-simmering process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making it much more flavorful than any store-bought alternative.
How To Prepare Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Course: Sauce
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
- Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories per 1/4 cup serving
- Yield: About 5-6 cups of tomato sauce (varies based on water content of tomatoes)
Kitchen Utensils
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for a smoother texture)
- Sterilized jars for canning (if storing)
Ingredients
- 10 pounds of ripe tomatoes (Roma tomatoes work best)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (to balance acidity)
- 20 teaspoons bottled lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prep the Tomatoes:
Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes into chunks.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce:
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, followed by salt, pepper, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the tomatoes will break down into a thick sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, sugar, or lemon juice as needed.
6. Can or Store:
Once the sauce is ready, it can be canned in sterilized jars or stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. To can, follow standard canning procedures for hot packing the sauce into jars and sealing them properly.
Why Peoples Like Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe?
People love canned tomato sauce recipe because they offer convenience without compromising on flavor.
It’s a quick and easy way to add rich, homemade taste to dishes like pasta, pizza, or stews, without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
Canned tomato sauce recipe can be made in large batches, stored for later use, and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Plus, it’s highly customizable—whether you prefer a chunky texture or a smooth finish, or want to add extra herbs and spices, canned tomato sauce gives you the flexibility to suit your taste.
It’s a pantry staple that provides a comforting, versatile base for countless recipes.
Our Favorite Ways ToServe It Up
There are so many delicious ways to serve up homemade canned tomato sauce recipe! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
➨Classic Pasta: You can’t go wrong with a simple bowl of spaghetti and tomato sauce. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for an authentic Italian meal.
➨Pizza Sauce: Use your homemade canned tomato sauce as the base for a homemade pizza. Spread it on the dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a fresh, comforting pizza.
➨Shakshuka: For a Middle Eastern-inspired breakfast or brunch, simmer eggs in tomato sauce with spices like cumin and paprika. It’s a flavorful and hearty dish.
➨Meatball Sub: Layer the sauce over meatballs and place them in a toasted sub roll, topped with mozzarella cheese for a perfect sandwich.
➨Stews and Soups: Add the sauce to soups or stews to enrich the flavor and provide a velvety base. It’s great in dishes like minestrone or vegetable soup.
➨Dipping Sauce: Serve the tomato sauce as a dip for garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, or even crispy fried zucchini for a savory appetizer.
How To Make Canned Tomato Sauce Better?
To make canned tomato sauce recipe even better, try enhancing it with a few simple ingredients. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the sauce to bring out a rich, aromatic base.
You can also stir in fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a more vibrant, Mediterranean flavor. A pinch of sugar can help balance acidity, while a splash of balsamic vinegar or a bit of red wine adds depth.
For extra creaminess, a tablespoon of butter or heavy cream can give the sauce a silky finish. Finally, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper can add a little heat and excitement!
Can Canned Tomatoes Be Used As A Sauce?
Yes, canned tomatoes can absolutely be used as a sauce! In fact, they are a popular base for making tomato sauce at home.
By blending or simmering canned tomatoes with seasonings, herbs, garlic, and onions, you can easily transform them into a flavorful sauce for pasta, pizza, soups, and more.
You can use whole canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or even diced tomatoes, depending on your texture preference. For a smoother sauce, simply blend the tomatoes before cooking them down with your spices.
Using canned tomatoes is a great shortcut for making fresh, homemade sauce without the hassle of starting from scratch with fresh tomatoes!
Proper Storage
Proper storage of canned tomato sauce recipe is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. If you’ve made the sauce in bulk, store it in airtight containers or sterilized jars, and let it cool completely before sealing.
Refrigerate homemade tomato sauce and consume it within 5-7 days for the best taste. For long-term storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers, allowing it to last up to 3-4 months.
FAQs about Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe
Can I use any type of tomatoes for this sauce?
While you can use any tomatoes, Roma tomatoes are the best choice because they have a firmer texture and fewer seeds, making them ideal for sauces. They also have a rich, sweet flavor that works perfectly in canned tomato sauce.
How long does the canned tomato sauce last?
When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, canned tomato sauce can last up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and use it within 1-2 weeks.
Can I make this sauce without canning it?
Yes! If you don’t want to can the sauce, you can simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let the sauce cool completely before freezing.
Can I add more spices or ingredients to the sauce?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the seasonings, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Peeling the tomatoes is optional, but it helps create a smoother, more refined sauce. If you don’t mind a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.
Conclusion
Making your own canned tomato sauce recipe is truly a rewarding experience, and it’s one that transforms the way you enjoy meals.
By using fresh, ripe tomatoes and carefully balancing the flavors, you create a sauce that’s rich, full of depth, and bursting with natural sweetness.
The process allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives found in store-bought versions.
It’s a simple canned tomato sauce recipe, yet it holds the power to bring out the best in your cooking and become a staple in your kitchen, ready to be shared with family and friends.
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Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for a smoother texture)
- Sterilized jars for canning (if storing)
Ingredients
- 10 pounds of ripe tomatoes Roma tomatoes work best
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons of salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity
- 20 teaspoons bottled lemon juice
Instructions
Prep the Tomatoes:
- Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes into chunks.
Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, followed by salt, pepper, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the tomatoes will break down into a thick sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, sugar, or lemon juice as needed.
Can or Store:
- Once the sauce is ready, it can be canned in sterilized jars or stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. To can, follow standard canning procedures for hot packing the sauce into jars and sealing them properly.