Nothing compares to the rich, deep flavor of tomatoes that have been slowly roasted until caramelized and naturally sweet. This Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce transforms fresh paste tomatoes into a thick, savory sauce that’s perfect for preserving the taste of summer in every jar. Roasting intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness while adding a subtle smoky depth that simply can’t be achieved on the stovetop alone.
Fresh basil, roasted garlic, and oregano blend beautifully with the tomatoes to create a classic Italian-inspired sauce that’s both simple and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re making a comforting pasta dinner, homemade pizza, lasagna, or meatball subs, this versatile sauce adds homemade goodness to countless meals.
Canning this roasted tomato sauce is a wonderful way to stock your pantry with a ready-to-use staple that saves time on busy weeknights. Because tomatoes vary in acidity, each jar is acidified with bottled lemon juice before processing to ensure safe water bath canning while maintaining the sauce’s fresh flavor.
Whether you’re preserving a bumper crop from your garden or taking advantage of peak-season tomatoes from the farmers market, this recipe is an excellent addition to any home canning collection. After a short rest in the pantry, the flavors continue to meld, creating an even richer sauce ready for your favorite recipes.
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Servings: About 7 pint jars
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: About 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours
Ingredients
- 20 pounds paste tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup bottled lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons canning or pickling salt (optional)
Instructions:
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