Ingredients
7 lbs Roma tomatoes, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 lbs onions, finely chopped
1 lb bell peppers, chopped
1/2 lb jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup bottled lemon juice or lime juice
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your canning equipment by washing jars and lids in hot, soapy water and keeping them warm in your water bath canner.
Step 2: Peel the tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for 60 seconds and then plunging them into an ice bath; the skins should slip off easily.
Step 3: Core and chop the peeled tomatoes, placing them in a large, heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot.
Step 4: Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, garlic, salt, sugar, cumin, and lemon juice to the pot.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to ensure the bottom doesn't burn.
Step 6: Reduce the heat and let the salsa simmer for 20-30 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Step 7: Stir in the fresh cilantro during the last 5 minutes of simmering to preserve its bright flavor.
Step 8: Ladle the hot salsa into the warm jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
Step 9: Remove air bubbles by sliding a non-metallic spatula around the inside of the jar and wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
Step 10: Place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening to fingertip-tight, and process in a boiling water bath for 15-20 minutes (adjust for altitude).
Step 11: Remove jars from the canner and let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours before checking the seals and storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Always use bottled lemon or lime juice for consistent acidity levels required for safe water bath canning. Do not reduce the amount of acid specified.
- Prep Time: PT60M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Drinks, Snacks & Holiday Treats
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg