As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, our thoughts often turn to preserving the bounty of summer’s harvest. And what better way to start than with a delicious and versatile ingredient like tomatoes? With their rich flavor, vibrant color, and numerous health benefits, it’s no wonder that tomatoes are a staple in many cuisines around the world.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering tomato canning recipes that will help you make the most of your homegrown or store-bought tomatoes. From classic sauces to spicy jams, tangy chutneys to smoky BBQ sauces, these recipes offer endless possibilities for using up your summer surplus and enjoying your favorite flavors all year round.
Spicy Tomato Jam
Elevate your breakfast toast or use as a sauce for grilled meats with this sweet and spicy tomato jam recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as sriracha)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and smoked paprika.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam has thickened and reduced slightly.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Classic Tomato Sauce
Classic Tomato Sauce Recipe
A timeless favorite, this homemade tomato sauce is a staple for any pasta dish or pizza topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes), oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of sauce
Roasted Garlic and Tomato Spread
Elevate your snacks and sandwiches with this rich and flavorful spread made from roasted garlic and sweet tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated into individual cloves
– 2 large tomatoes, cored and halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and fold the foil to create a packet.
3. Roast the garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and mashed.
4. Meanwhile, place tomato halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast the tomatoes in the same oven as the garlic for 20-25 minutes, or until they release their juices and start to caramelize.
6. Remove both from the oven and let cool slightly.
7. Peel the roasted garlic and mash it in a bowl. Add the roasted tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Tomato and Basil Marinara
This classic Italian sauce combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the brightness of basil, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip. This simple recipe yields a flavorful and aromatic marinara that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer the mixture for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
6. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet and Tangy Tomato Chutney
Sweet and Tangy Tomato Chutney Recipe
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A sweet and tangy twist on traditional tomato chutney, this recipe is perfect for topping naan bread, using as a dip for snacks, or as a condiment for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped tomatoes, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney has thickened slightly.
3. Stir in grated ginger, cumin, and salt.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Remove from heat and let cool.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Yield: About 2 cups of chutney
Tomato Salsa Verde
Elevate your favorite dishes with this vibrant and flavorful Tomato Salsa Verde, a classic Italian condiment. This recipe combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the tanginess of herbs for a perfect balance.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, parsley, basil, and garlic.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes ( preparation time only)
Heirloom Tomato Passata
Passata is a classic Italian sauce made with cooked tomatoes, onions, and garlic. This recipe showcases the flavors of heirloom tomatoes, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 3 lbs heirloom tomatoes, cored and chopped
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt to taste, and stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tomato and Onion Relish
A sweet and tangy condiment perfect for elevating sandwiches, burgers, and grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes, thinly sliced onions, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the relish cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Tomato BBQ Sauce
Elevate your BBQ game with this sweet and smoky tomato sauce that’s perfect for slathering on ribs, chicken, or pork.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Usage: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tomato Ketchup with a Kick
Add some excitement to your meals with this spicy twist on the classic tomato ketchup recipe! This condiment is perfect for those who like a little heat in their dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, water, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the ketchup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Elevate your pasta dishes and sandwiches with this flavorful Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, made with sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts or almonds)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Drain the sun-dried tomatoes and chop them coarsely.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt.
3. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly smooth.
4. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top.
5. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe is a condiment or spread.
Tomato and Chili Hot Sauce
This vibrant hot sauce combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the heat of fresh chilies, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (such as Roma or Cherry)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh chili peppers (any variety, seeded and chopped)
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tomatoes, chilies, vinegar, water, and honey.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if desired.
4. Transfer the hot sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None! This hot sauce is best served fresh or within a few days of making.
Creamy Tomato Soup Base
This rich and flavorful soup base is perfect for a quick lunch or as a starter for dinner parties. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and comforting base that’s ready to be customized with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes (or crushed canned tomatoes) and broth. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup base simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato and Pepper Coulis
Savor the flavors of summer with this vibrant and aromatic tomato and pepper coulis, perfect for topping toast, using as a sauce, or serving alongside grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Tomato and Apple Chutney
This sweet and tangy chutney is a perfect condiment for your next BBQ or as a topping for crackers or bread. Made with fresh tomatoes, apples, and spices, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional chutneys.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, apple, onion, and garlic.
2. Add brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chutney has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Tomato and Herb Bruschetta Mix
A flavorful and easy-to-make mix perfect for topping toasted bread or using as a dip for your favorite snacks.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, and garlic.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix well to combine.
4. If desired, stir in balsamic vinegar for an added depth of flavor.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time only)
Tomato and Zucchini Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is a perfect way to use up your summer harvest. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this delicious condiment on sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip for veggies in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
– 1 cup diced fresh zucchini
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomatoes, zucchini, cilantro, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let relish cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Tomato and Mango Salsa
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of ripe tomatoes and juicy mangoes in this vibrant salsa perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or chips.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (such as Roma or Heirloom)
– 1 cup diced fresh mango
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, mango, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salsa and stir gently.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time included)
Conclusion
Discover the art of preserving with these 18 delicious tomato canning recipes. From sweet and tangy to spicy and smoky, there’s something for every taste bud. Recipes include Spicy Tomato Jam, Classic Tomato Sauce, Roasted Garlic and Tomato Spread, and many more. Whether you’re looking for a flavorful sauce, a tangy chutney, or a savory relish, these recipes will guide you through the canning process. With step-by-step instructions and mouth-watering photos, you’ll be preserving like a pro in no time.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
