Basil Tomatoes
Description: A fantastic recipe for preserving tomatoes to enjoy later, with the delightful addition of fresh basil and a splash of lemon juice instead of salt, making it perfect for those watching their sodium intake. These basil tomatoes are not only great for salsas and tomato sauce but also serve as a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
- Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Recipe Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Canning, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 102.3
- Fat Content: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 28.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 22.3g
- Fiber Content: 6.8g
- Sugar Content: 14.9g
- Protein Content: 5g
Yield: 8-10 pints
Ingredients:
- 10 tomatoes
- 6-10 fresh basil leaves
- Bottled lemon juice
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash the tomatoes and dip them in boiling water for 45 seconds. |
| 2 | Plunge the tomatoes in cold water, then peel, core, and quarter them. |
| 3 | Place 4 cups of tomato wedges in a pan and crush them. |
| 4 | Quickly heat the crushed tomatoes to boiling. |
| 5 | Add the remaining tomatoes to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. |
| 6 | Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring frequently. |
| 7 | Remove the pan from the heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Stir well to incorporate. |
| 8 | In each sterilized pint jar, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. For quart jars, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. |
| 9 | Ladle the tomato mixture into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. |
| 10 | Remove any air bubbles from the jars, seal them tightly, and process them in a boiling water canner for 35 minutes for pint jars or 45 minutes for quart jars. |
| 11 | If freezing the product, leave 1 1/2 inches of headspace, seal the jars, and freeze them. |
Recipe Tips:
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized before canning to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to taste preferences.
- Label jars with the date before storing to keep track of freshness.
- These basil tomatoes make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
By following this simple recipe, you’ll have delicious basil tomatoes ready to enjoy whenever you desire, whether added to your favorite dishes or enjoyed straight from the jar. With their vibrant flavor and versatility, they’re sure to become a staple in your pantry.
