Try This at Home: How to Make Jarred Tomatoes

Iron Chef judge Donatella Arpaia Stewart shows Food Network Magazine how to preserve summer tomatoes so you can use them all year.

From: Food Network Magazine

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Jarred tomatoes will keep for up to a year. Use them as you'd use canned tomatoes — in sauces, soups and stews.

Get the Recipe: Jarred Tomatoes

"Preparing passata di pomodoro — tomato puree, in Italian — is a multigenerational tradition in my family," Donatella says. "We make it in big cauldrons outside."

Sterilize the jars: Wash the jars, lids and bands in hot soapy water and rinse well. Place a folded clean kitchen towel or canning rack on the bottom of a stockpot (this keeps the jars from rattling); fill about halfway with water. Add the jars, making sure they're submerged. Bring to a boil and boil 10 minutes; remove with a jar lifter and place on a clean towel. Turn off the heat but reserve the pot of water. Meanwhile, put the lids and bands in a saucepan of simmering water until ready to use (do not boil).

Cook the tomatoes: Bring another stockpot of water to a boil. Add the onion, celery and garlic and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes (in batches, if necessary) and cook until they split and rise to the top, about 5 minutes.

Strain the vegetables; discard the celery stalks but keep the leaves for flavor.

Puree the tomatoes: Set a food mill over a large bowl. Working in batches, puree the tomatoes and vegetables through the mill, scraping the bottom occasionally with a fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons salt, then the citric acid — this ensures a safe acidity level for canning.

Fill the jars: Remove the lids and bands from the hot water with tongs and place on a clean towel to dry. Put 3 basil leaves in each sterilized jar (make sure your hands are clean).

Use a ladle or funnel to fill the jars with the tomato puree to about 1/2 inch from the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel, then screw on the lids (do not overtighten).

Process the jars: Bring the original stockpot of water to a simmer (keep the towel in the pot). Lower the filled jars into the pot, bring to a boil and leave for 45 minutes. Use the jar lifter to remove the jars and transfer to a towel; let sit overnight. Don't overfill the jars — you need to leave some space.

Check the seals: Press the tops of the jars; the lids should not pop up and down. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 5 days.

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Try This at Home: How to Make Jarred Tomatoes

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