Canning taco sauce is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of a delicious homemade sauce. Below is a recipe for a basic canned taco sauce with tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Canning involves some specific steps to ensure safety, so it’s important to follow proper procedures.
Canned Taco Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 cups tomatoes, peeled, cored, and crushed (about 15-20 medium-sized tomatoes)
- 2 cups bell peppers, finely chopped (mix of red and green for color)
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Jars:
- Sterilize canning jars and lids by placing them in a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes. Keep them hot until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel, core, and crush the tomatoes. You can blanch them in boiling water to make peeling easier.
- Finely chop bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeño peppers.
3. Make the Taco Sauce:
- In a large, non-reactive pot, combine all the ingredients: crushed tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, onions, garlic, jalapeño peppers, apple cider vinegar, sugar, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it.
4. Canning Process:
- Ladle the hot taco sauce into the prepared, hot jars, leaving about 1/2-inch headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure they are clean.
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, ensuring the water covers the jars by at least 1 inch.
- Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a clean towel or cooling rack.
- Ensure the lids have sealed by pressing down on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed.
5. Store and Enjoy:
Label the sealed jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. The canned taco sauce should be good for up to a year.
Expected Preparation Time
Approximately 2-3 hours (depending on peeling and canning time).
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
Note
Always follow proper canning safety guidelines to ensure that your taco sauce is safely preserved. Adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your preferences.
This canned taco sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to your pantry. It allows you to enjoy the taste of homemade sauce throughout the year. Always follow safe canning practices to ensure the longevity and safety of your preserved foods.