Oven Canned Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a kitchen staple, and having them readily available throughout the year can be a real game-changer. Whether you’re making a hearty stew, a tangy salsa, or a classic marinara sauce, canned tomatoes are often the go-to ingredient. Today, we’re sharing an old-time favorite that promises to save you time and reduce the mess – Oven Canned Tomatoes. This recipe, passed down from an elderly lady and featured in a beloved church cookbook, is not only practical but also incredibly straightforward. Get ready to discover a method that will become your new favorite kitchen hack!

Why Oven Canning?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why oven canning is such a fantastic method. Traditional canning can be a bit daunting, involving large pots of boiling water and plenty of elbow grease. Oven canning, on the other hand, simplifies the process. Here are a few reasons to love it:

• Less Mess: No need for large canning pots and boiling water.
• Time Saver: Streamlines the process significantly.
• Convenience: Uses your oven, freeing up your stovetop for other tasks.

With these benefits in mind, let’s move on to the recipe that will have you preserving tomatoes like a pro in no time!

Ingredients for Oven Canned Tomatoes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need two ingredients:

• Fresh, peeled tomatoes
• Salt

That’s it! Now, let’s break down the process step-by-step.

How to Make Oven Canned Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Scald and Peel: Begin by selecting ripe, fresh tomatoes. To peel them easily, you’ll need to scald them. Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare a large bowl of ice water. Gently lower the tomatoes into the boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them immediately into the ice water. The skins should peel off effortlessly.

Step 2: Fill the Jars

Pack the Tomatoes: Place the peeled tomatoes into clean, sterilized canning jars. Pack them in tightly but leave a little space at the top.

Add Salt: For each quart jar, add 1 teaspoon of salt. This helps to preserve the tomatoes and enhances their flavor.

Step 3: Oven Time

Place on Cookie Sheet: Arrange the jars on a cookie sheet, positioning them about 4 to 5 inches from the bottom of the oven.

Heat the Oven: Turn your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the jars sit in the oven for 1 hour. This gentle heating process helps to seal the jars and preserve the tomatoes.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Cool Down: Once the hour is up, turn off the oven and let the jars cool inside the oven. This gradual cooling helps to ensure a proper seal.

Check the Seal: After the jars have cooled completely, check the seals. If a jar hasn’t sealed, don’t worry. Simply replace the lid with a new one, screw on the ring, and repeat the oven process.