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Basic Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe

Capture the taste of summer with this easy-to-make tomato basil sauce! Perfect for canning beginners, this recipe from Southern Living Magazine guides you through preserving the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil. Imagine: Dinner ready in minutes, simply by grabbing a jar from your pantry! This makes a delightful homemade gift – pair it with pasta, a wooden spoon, and a bottle of wine for the ultimate culinary present. Learn how to can this delicious sauce and enjoy it all year round!

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 175 mins
Calories 140.9 kcal
Protein 13g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Basic Tomato Basil Sauce 55

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Tomato Basil Sauce

  • 6 pounds ripe tomatoes
  • Dried Basil
  • Lemon Juice
  • Salt

How to Make Basic Tomato Basil Sauce

  1. Wash 6 pounds ripe tomatoes.
  2. Blanch tomatoes: Dip each tomato in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, or until skins split. Immediately plunge into ice water.
  3. Core, peel, and quarter the blanched tomatoes.
  4. Place 4 cups of quartered tomatoes in a large stockpot.
  5. Crush the tomatoes in the pot using a potato masher or your hands.
  6. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
  7. Gradually add the remaining quartered tomatoes, stirring frequently.
  8. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  9. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves.
  10. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  11. Ladle the hot sauce into sterilized pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  12. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula or chopstick around the inside of each jar.
  13. Wipe jar rims clean.
  14. Place lids and bands on jars, tightening fingertip tight.
  15. Process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes (adjust time based on altitude – consult your canning guide).
  16. Remove jars and let cool completely. Listen for the ‘pop’ sound as the jars seal.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

50 g

Sugar

81g

Fat

1g

Carbs

10g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Dish / Dinner European Italian Mediterranean The Americas American Southern Vegetarian Gluten Free Summer Recipes

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Low Protein Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less Sauces Canning Condiments Etc Vegetables Easy Low Fat Dietary Gifts Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low Carb Healthy 2 Low In Something Tomatoes Number Of Servings Technique 4 Hours Or Less