Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
20
servings
25 pound

plum tomatoes

cored and halved lengthwise

3 unit

bay leaves

1.5 tbsp

honey

1 tbsp

dried oregano

1 tbsp

salt

2 tsp

ground black pepper

0.5 cup

extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound

yellow onions

finely chopped

10 clove

garlic

finely chopped

10 unit

canning jars

1-quart with rings and lids

10 tsp

salt

divided

1.75 cup

bottled lemon juice

divided

Step 1
~7 min

Core and halve tomatoes lengthwise.

Step 2
~7 min

Place tomatoes, bay leaves, honey, oregano, 1 tablespoon salt, and black pepper in a large stockpot.

Step 3
~7 min

Cover with water and stir to combine.

Step 4
~7 min

Cover and bring to a low boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5
~7 min

Remove cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6
~7 min

Remove bay leaves.

Step 7
~7 min

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 8
~7 min

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 9
~7 min

Cook and stir onions and garlic until the onions are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes.

Step 10
~7 min

Transfer the cooked tomatoes to a food mill placed over a bowl and puree in batches.

Step 11
~7 min

Separate the tomato pulp and juice from the tomato skins and seeds.

Step 12
~7 min

Return the tomato pulp and juice to the stockpot, add the cooked onions and garlic.

Step 13
~7 min

Cook, uncovered, over medium-high heat until sauce thickens and reduces by about half, about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 14
~7 min

Prepare quart jars, rings, and lids by heating them in boiling water in a canning kettle for at least 5 minutes.

Key Technique: Canning
Step 15
~7 min

When the sauce is ready, remove jars and lids and place on dry towel.

Step 16
~7 min

To each jar, add 1 teaspoon salt and 3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice.

Step 17
~7 min

Ladle the hot tomato sauce into jars, leaving 1/2-inch of space at the top of each jar.

Step 18
~7 min

Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth, place lids onto jars, and screw on rings.

Step 19
~7 min

Place filled jars in the canning kettle.

Key Technique: Canning
Step 20
~7 min

Return water to a simmer, adding more water if needed to cover the jars by at least 1/2 inch.

Step 21
~7 min

Cover kettle and bring water to a boil.

Step 22
~7 min

Cook at a steady boil to process the jars until fully sealed, about 45 minutes.

Step 23
~7 min

Turn off heat and let jars rest 5 minutes before removing.

Step 24
~7 min

Cool jars on a clean, dry towel.

Step 25
~7 min

Check that the lids have sealed, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust honey to taste for desired sweetness.

Ensure jars are properly sealed for safe canning.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

30 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead and stored for up to a year.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Strong
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve over pasta

Use as a dipping sauce

Add to your favorite Italian dishes

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken
Italian sausage
Garlic bread

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

Traditional Italian sauce

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
Thanksgiving

Occasion Tags

Summer
Fall
Harvest
Preserving Season

Popularity Score

75/100

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