Homemade Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe: Preserving the Freshness of Field Tomatoes

Welcome to our kitchen, where we're about to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the natural goodness of fresh field tomatoes. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of creating your very own homemade canned tomato sauce, a versatile pantry staple that bursts with flavor. Using the finest ingredients, including vibrant field tomatoes and the richness of Rallis Olive Oil, we'll show you how to capture the essence of summer and enjoy it all year round.

 The Ingredients You'll Need:

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating a delectable, canned tomato sauce. Here's what you'll need:

1. Fresh Field Tomatoes: Selecting ripe, juicy field tomatoes is crucial for a robust tomato sauce. The natural sweetness and vibrant color of these tomatoes will elevate the taste and appearance of your sauce. Look for tomatoes that are firm, fragrant, and free from blemishes.
2. Rallis Olive Oil: To infuse your sauce with a luxurious depth of flavor, we recommend using Rallis Olive Oil. Its rich, fruity notes will enhance the overall taste and provide a velvety texture to your sauce.
3. Fresh Herbs: Bring out the herbaceous goodness by adding fresh basil, oregano, and thyme. These herbs will contribute layers of aromatic complexity to your sauce.
4. Aromatics: Onions and garlic will provide the base flavors for your sauce. Sautéing them in olive oil will create a fragrant foundation for the tomatoes.
5. Salt: Balancing the flavors is essential, so be sure to have salt on hand. Salt will enhance the natural tomato flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Tomatoes

• Wash and core the fresh field tomatoes. Blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath.
• Once cooled, peel off the skins and remove the seeds. Chop the tomatoes into chunks, reserving the juices.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

• Heat a generous amount of Rallis Olive Oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Simmering the Sauce

• Carefully add the chopped tomatoes and their juices to the pot.
• Season with salt. Stir well to combine.
• Toss in the fresh herbs - torn basil leaves, dried oregano, and a few sprigs of thyme.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Achieving the Desired Consistency

• Continue simmering until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
• As the sauce cooks down, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Canning the Tomato Sauce

• While the sauce is simmering, prepare your canning jars and lids according to manufacturer instructions.
• Carefully ladle the hot sauce into the jars, leaving a bit of headspace.
• Wipe the jar rims, place the lids on top, and secure with rings.

Step 6: Processing and Storing

• Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for the time specified in canning guidelines for tomato sauce.
• Once processed, carefully remove the jars and allow them to cool on a clean kitchen towel.
• Store your canned tomato sauce in a cool, dark place. Remember to label each jar with the date for reference.

Final Thoughts: Congratulations! You've just created a batch of delicious homemade canned tomato sauce using the goodness of fresh field tomatoes and the richness of Rallis Olive Oil. This sauce is a versatile addition to your pantry, ready to be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta and pizzas to stews and soups. With each jar, you'll be preserving the essence of summer, bringing a burst of flavor to your meals throughout the year.