Seasoned Tomato Sauce

Even though onions are added to this tomato sauce, it can still be processed safely in a boiling water canner. This is because its acidity and a safe processing time have been scientifically determined. Do not alter ingredients as this may result in an unsafe product.

Makes about 7 x 500 ml jars.

20 cups (5000 ml) prepared tomatoes, about 10 lb (4.5 kg), 40 medium

2 -1/2 cups (675 ml) finely chopped onion, about 3 medium

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 tsp (7 ml) dried oregano leaves

2 bay leaves

1 tsp (5 ml) salt

1 tsp (5 ml) black pepper

1/2 tsp (2 ml) red pepper flakes

1 tsp (5 ml) granulated sugar

Lemon juice

• Place 7 clean 500 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C). Set screw bands aside. Heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C). Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use.

• Peel, core and coarsely chop tomatoes. Combine 20 cups (5000 ml) chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, red pepper and sugar in a large stainless steel saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring to a boil; boil until desired consistency is reached, about 2 hours.

• Press tomato mixture through a fine sieve or food mill; discard seeds. Return tomato sauce to saucepan; cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.

• Place 1 tbsp (15 ml) of lemon juice into a hot jar. Ladle sauce into a hot jar to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top rim (headspace). Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more sauce. Wipe jar rim removing any food residue. Centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight. Return filled jar to rack in canner. Repeat for remaining sauce.

• When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water. Cover canner and bring water to full rolling boil before starting to count processing time. At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m), process –boil filled jars – 35 minutes.

• When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface. Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands.

• After cooling check jar seals. Sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed. Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars. Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired. Label and store jars in a cool, dark place. For best quality, use home canned foods within one year.