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1
Sterilize the jars: Wash the jars, lids and bands in hot soapy water and rinse well.
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2
Place a folded clean kitchen towel or canning rack in the bottom of a stockpot (this keeps the jars from rattling); fill about halfway with water.
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3
Add the jars, making sure they're submerged.
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4
Bring to a boil and boil 10 minutes; remove with a jar lifter and place on a clean towel.
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5
Turn off the heat; reserve the pot of water.
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6
Put the lids and bands in a saucepan of simmering water until ready to use (do not boil).
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7
Cook the tomatoes: Bring another stockpot of water to a boil.
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8
Add the onion, celery and garlic and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
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9
Add the tomatoes (in batches, if necessary) and cook until they split and rise to the top, about 5 minutes.
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10
Strain the vegetables; discard the celery stalks but keep the leaves for flavor.
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11
Puree the tomatoes: Set a food mill over a large bowl.
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12
Working in batches, puree the tomatoes and vegetables through the mill, scraping the bottom occasionally with a fork.
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13
Stir in 2 tablespoons salt, then the citric acid-this ensures a safe acidity level for canning.
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14
Fill the jars: Remove the lids and bands from the hot water with tongs and place on a clean towel to dry.
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15
Put 3 basil leaves in each sterilized jar (make sure your hands are clean).
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16
Use a ladle or funnel to fill the jars with the tomato puree to about 1/2 inch from the top.
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17
Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel, then screw on the lids (do not overtighten).
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18
Process the jars: Bring the stockpot of water to a simmer (keep the towel in the pot).
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19
Lower the filled jars into the pot, bring to a boil and process 45 minutes.
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20
Use the jar lifter to remove the jars and transfer to a towel; let sit overnight.
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21
Don't overfill the jars-you need to leave some space.
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22
Check the seals: Press the tops of the jars: The lidsshould not pop up and down.
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23
Store in a cool dark place for up to 1 year.
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24
Once opened, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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25
Photographs by Christopher Testani