When summer’s warm sun shines on ripe tomatoes, it’s the perfect moment to embrace the joys of canning. Stewed tomatoes offer a rich, savory flavor that can transform countless dishes, from hearty casseroles to delicious pasta sauces. This article will guide you through an easy and rewarding water bath canning recipe, ensuring you can savor summer's bounty all year round.
The Joy of Canning: Why Stewed Tomatoes?
Canning stewed tomatoes is a fantastic way to preserve their vibrant flavor while harnessing the natural sweetness of summer. Not only do canned stewed tomatoes enhance the taste of your meals, but they also come with a host of benefits:
- Nutritional Boost: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
- Versatility: Stewed tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes—think chili, soups, and stews or even as a base for homemade pizza sauce.
- Economical: By canning tomatoes at home, you can save money and reduce waste by using produce from your garden or local farmer's market.
Now, let’s dive into the essentials of canning stewed tomatoes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients. Aim for the freshest, ripest tomatoes to get that pure, delicious flavor.
Basic Ingredients:
- 12 pounds of ripe tomatoes (Roma tomatoes are preferred for their low moisture content)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or citric acid (for acidity—important for safe canning)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (to balance acidity, optional)
- Basil, oregano, or thyme (fresh or dried; adjust to your liking)
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Water bath canner
- Canning jars (pint or quart)
- Lids and bands
- Jar lifter
- Ladle
- Canning funnel
- Large pot for cooking
- Sterilizing towels
Step-by-Step Guide to Stewed Tomatoes Canning
Step 1: Prepare Your Tomatoes
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Wash and Blanch: Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly. To easily peel them, score an "X" on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Transfer them to an ice bath to cool down. The skins will slip right off!
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Chop and Core: Once peeled, core and chop the tomatoes into desired sizes. Some prefer large chunks, while others enjoy smaller pieces.
Step 2: Cooking the Stewed Tomatoes
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In a Large Pot: Combine your chopped tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper (if using) in a large pot. Add salt, pepper, sugar, and your choice of herbs.
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Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The tomatoes should break down, creating a lovely sauce.
Step 3: Prepare for Canning
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Sterilize Your Jars: While your tomatoes simmer, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through the dishwasher on a hot cycle.
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Add Acid for Safety: Before you fill the jars, remember to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid per pint jar to ensure safety and preserve color.
Step 4: Fill and Seal Jars
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Fill Jars: Using a ladle and a canning funnel, fill the jars with the hot stewed tomato mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
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Remove Air Bubbles: Run a spatula or a knife around the inside of the jar to remove air bubbles.
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Wipe the Rim: Clean the rim of each jar with a sterilizing towel to ensure a good seal.
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Apply Lids and Bands: Place the sterilized lid on each jar and screw on the band until it’s fingertip tight (don’t overtighten!).
Step 5: Water Bath Canning
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Boil Water: Place the filled jars in your water bath canner and ensure they are fully submerged in water. Bring to a rolling boil.
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Process Jars: Process pint jars for 35 minutes and quart jars for 45 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.
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Cool Down: Once done, carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and let them cool on a clean towel or cooling rack for 12-24 hours.
Step 6: Store and Enjoy!
Once completely cooled, check that the lids have sealed properly by pressing down in the center. If it pops back, it hasn’t sealed. Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Creative Twists on Stewed Tomatoes
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to customize your stewed tomatoes:
- Add Heat: Toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick!
- Infuse with Wine: Pour in a splash of red wine during the simmering process for a depth of flavor.
- Herbs Galore: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or cilantro to give your stew a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Stewed tomatoes can elevate many dishes. Serve them over rice or polenta, spoon them over grilled chicken, or mix them into your favorite pasta. They’re also fantastic in shakshuka, allowing you to create a comforting, flavorful breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Canning your own stewed tomatoes is not only a practical way to preserve summer produce but also an enjoyable process that connects you to the rich tradition of home cooking. You’ll relish the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something wholesome and delicious. So grab those tomatoes, gather your equipment, and let the canning adventure begin!
Happy canning! 🍅
