Homemade Salsa and Pasta Sauce: A Labor of Love from Eastern North Carolina

Homemade Salsa and Pasta Sauce: A Labor of Love from Eastern North Carolina

Hey y'all! As a proud resident of Eastern North Carolina, I am excited to share a little glimpse into our annual tradition of preserving the bounty of our garden. 

You see, my husband has a green thumb like no other, and each year we find ourselves with an abundance of vegetables, especially tomatoes. We put our love for gardening to good use by canning 150-200 jars of salsa and gifting them to our family and friends. But this year, we decided to take it up a notch and also make some tasty pasta sauce. It's hard work, but the satisfaction and joy we get from sharing our homemade creations is truly priceless.

The Tomato Harvest

Let me tell you, our tomato harvest this year has been nothing short of amazing. We've already picked at least ten 5-gallon buckets of mixed tomato varieties, ranging from juicy beefsteaks to sweet cherry tomatoes. The sight of those vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges just makes our hearts skip a beat. The anticipation of turning them into delicious salsa and pasta sauce is what keeps us going.

The Joy of Canning

• Canning salsa and pasta sauce has become a labor of love for us. It's a time-consuming process, but one that we thoroughly enjoy. There's something incredibly satisfying about preserving the flavors of summer and being able to enjoy them long after the growing season has ended. Plus, the joy of sharing our homemade creations with our loved ones is simply priceless.

The Salsa-Making Process

Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of making our beloved homemade salsa:

1. Preparation: Gather all your ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, peppers (we love using a mix of bell peppers and jalapenos for a little kick), garlic, cilantro, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and cumin. Make sure to wash and chop everything to your desired size.

2. Cooking: In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the salsa has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3.Blending (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the salsa once it has cooled slightly. This step is optional, as some prefer a chunkier salsa.

4. Canning: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for a few minutes. Fill the hot jars with the hot salsa, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until they are fingertip tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 15 minutes to ensure proper sealing.

5. Cooling and Storage: Once the jars have been processed, carefully remove them from the water bath and place them on a towel-lined countertop. Allow them to cool completely before checking for proper seals. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Remember to label them with the date and enjoy!

The Pasta Sauce-Making Process

In addition to salsa, we decided to venture into the world of homemade pasta sauce. Here's how we do it:

1. Preparation: Gather your ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, oregano, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Wash and chop the tomatoes, onions, and garlic.

2. Sautéing: In a large pot, heat some olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

3. Simmering: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least an hour, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Blending (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce once it has cooled slightly. Again, this step is optional

5. Canning: Follow the same canning process as with the salsa. Sterilize the jars, fill them with the hot pasta sauce, and process them in a boiling water bath for about 35-40 minutes.

6. Cooling and Storage: After processing, allow the jars to cool completely before checking for proper seals. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Just imagine the joy of opening a jar of your homemade pasta sauce in the dead of winter and being transported back to the flavors of summer.

A Gift from the Heart

• For us, canningis not just about preserving the harvest; it's about sharing a piece of our love and hard work with those we care about. We take pride in gifting our homemade salsa and pasta sauce to family and friends, knowing that they will enjoy a taste of summer even when the days grow colder.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of tomatoes for the salsa and pasta sauce?

• Absolutely! In fact, using a mix of tomato varieties adds depth and complexity to the flavors of both the salsa and pasta sauce. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.

2. How long does the salsa and pasta sauce last once canned?

• When properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, both the salsa and pasta sauce can last up to a year. However, it's always a good idea to check the seals before consuming to ensure they are intact.

3. Can I adjust the spice level of the salsa and pasta sauce?

• Definitely! The beauty of making homemade salsa and pasta sauce is that you have complete control over the spice level. If you prefer a milder salsa or pasta sauce, simply adjust the amount of jalapenos or other spicy ingredients you use. Likewise, if you enjoy a little extra heat, feel free to add more.

• So there you have it, our labor of love from Eastern North Carolina - homemade salsa and pasta sauce. It's a tradition that brings us joy, allows us to savor the flavors of summer, and share our love with those around us. So grab some tomatoes, gather your ingredients, and embark on your own canning adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!