Spaghetti Sauce

Step 1

Hull and peel the tomatoes. Quarter tomatoes. Boil 20 minutes, uncovered, in large pot, then press through sieve or food mill.

Step 2

Put oil in a large frying pan. Add the onion, garlic, green pepper, and mushrooms (optional). Let cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and the mushroom slices have shrunk. Add to the tomatoes.

Step 3

Add the seasoning from the oregano down to and including the black pepper.

Step 4

Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and let simmer uncovered until reduced by half. This will take 2 to 3 hours, so you may want to do this at off-peak energy rates if they apply where you live.

Step 5

Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6

Ladle into either half-litre (1 US pint) OR 1 litre (1 US quart) jars.

Step 7

Leave 3 cm (1 inch) headspace.

Step 8

Wipe jar rims.

Step 9

Put lids on.

Step 10

Put in pressure canner.

Step 11

Processing pressure: 10 lbs (69 kPa) weighted gauge, 11 lbs (76 kpa) dial gauge (adjust pressure for your altitude when over 300 metres / 1000 feet)

Step 12

Processing time: Half-litres (pints) 20 minutes; litres (quarts) 25 minutes