When it comes to preserving fresh produce, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of filling a jar with your own homemade goodness. Ball canning, in particular, has been a trusted method for food preservation for over 100 years. As a beginner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 easy ball canning recipes that are perfect for those just starting out. From sweet treats like peach preserves and strawberry jam, to tangy condiments like dill pickles and zesty bread and butter pickles, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to stock your pantry with fresh ingredients or gift homemade goodies to loved ones, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. So grab your jars, lids, and a willingness to get creative – we’ll be diving into the world of ball canning in just a moment!
Spicy Tomato Salsa
This Spicy Tomato Salsa recipe is a perfect blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re looking for a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or veggies, this spicy salsa is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly prep time)
Homemade Strawberry Jam
Sweeten up your breakfast toast or snack time with this easy-to-make homemade strawberry jam recipe.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the jam has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test” (when you place a small amount of the jam on a chilled plate, it should wrinkle when pushed with your finger).
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Classic Dill Pickles
Classic Dill Pickles Recipe
Savor the tangy flavor of homemade pickles with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups of thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup of water
– 1/2 cup of white vinegar
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp of kosher salt
– 1 tsp of whole black peppercorns
– 1 tsp of fresh dill weed (or 1/2 tsp of dried dill weed)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with fresh water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, sugar, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the fresh dill weed (or dried dill weed). Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Shelf Life: Up to 6 months
Peach Preserves
Transform fresh peaches into a luscious spread perfect for toast, yogurt, or using as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh peaches, diced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine peaches, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until peaches are tender and the mixture has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the preserves to your desired consistency.
6. Return to saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
7. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the preserves have reached your desired thickness.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Butter
Enjoy the warm flavors of fall with this simple recipe for homemade apple butter. This spread is perfect for topping toast, biscuits, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lbs apples (any variety), peeled, cored, and chopped
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened.
3. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.
4. Return the pot to medium-high heat and cook the apple butter for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Zesty Bread and Butter Pickles
Add a tangy twist to your snack time with these zesty bread and butter pickles! This recipe yields a sweet and sour pickle that’s perfect for topping sandwiches, burgers, or eating straight from the jar.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon pickling spice (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and pickling spice (if using). Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack sliced cucumbers into clean glass jars or containers. Pour hot pickle liquid over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Secure lids tightly and let pickles cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate pickles for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Marmalade
This homemade marmalade combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of lemon, perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a glaze for meats or cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup water
– 1 tablespoon pectin (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the blueberries and combine them with the sugar, lemon juice, and water in a large saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and passed the “wrinkle test”.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. If using pectin, stir it in according to package instructions.
4. Strain the marmalade through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
5. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce Recipe
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy sauce infused with the deep flavor of roasted garlic.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 heads of garlic, separated into individual cloves
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the garlic cloves in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the garlic, making sure each clove is coated.
4. Roast the garlic for 30-40 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted garlic, crushed tomatoes, butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve warm over cooked pasta, garnished with parsley or basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes (including roasting time)
Sweet Corn Relish
Sweet Corn Relish Recipe
Summary: This sweet corn relish recipe is a delicious and tangy condiment perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels (about 4 ears)
– 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and jalapeño pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the vinegar-honey mixture over the corn mixture and toss until everything is coated evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This relish is best served chilled, so keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Enjoy your delicious Sweet Corn Relish!
Tangy Pickled Jalapeños
Elevate your snacks and dishes with a burst of spicy flavor from these tangy pickled jalapeños! Perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or enjoying as a snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
Instructions:
1. Slice the jalapeño peppers into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the jalapeño slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the jalapeños, leaving about 1 inch (2.5cm) headspace.
7. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Shelf Life: Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Enjoy!
Chunky Applesauce
Sweet and tangy, this chunky applesauce is perfect for topping oatmeal, yogurt, or using as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized apples (any variety), peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Use an immersion blender or a potato masher to coarsely chop the apples and create a chunky texture.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the applesauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of chunky applesauce
Maple Bourbon Peach Butter
Elevate your toast, biscuits, or scones with this luscious spread that combines the warmth of bourbon, the richness of maple syrup, and the sweetness of peaches. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups ripe peaches, diced
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine peaches, maple syrup, bourbon, lemon juice, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
5. Transfer to a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garden-Fresh Tomato Sauce
Harness the flavor of your garden-fresh tomatoes with this simple and delicious sauce recipe, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. This sauce is a great way to preserve the sweetness and brightness of your homegrown tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, and dried basil. Stir well.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced Pear Jam
A sweet and tangy jam that combines the natural sweetness of pears with a warm blend of spices, perfect for toast, scones or as a glaze for meats.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups pear chunks (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine pear chunks, sugar, and water.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until pears are tender.
3. Stir in grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until jam has thickened to your liking.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean glass jar.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pickled Red Onions
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these tangy pickled red onions. This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, but yields big results.
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced onions and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the onions to release their juices.
2. Drain excess liquid from the onions and rinse with cold water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, black pepper, and drained onions.
4. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the onions are pickled to your liking.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Raspberry Vanilla Freezer Jam
A sweet and tangy jam that’s perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries. This recipe makes approximately 4 cups of jam.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 220°F (104°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
4. Let the jam cool to room temperature.
5. Pour the jam into an airtight container or freezer-safe jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months, or freeze for up to 12 months.
Cooking Time: About 10 minutes
Fire-Roasted Salsa Verde
Add a smoky twist to traditional salsa verde with this fire-roasted recipe, perfect for topping tacos or grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves and stems
– 1 cup fresh oregano leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and roasted (see note)
– 1/4 cup fire-roasted red peppers (see note), chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to high heat.
2. Roast the garlic and red peppers according to notes below (about 10-15 minutes).
3. In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, oregano, roasted garlic, fire-roasted red peppers, red onion, and jalapeño. Blend until coarsely chopped.
4. With the blender or food processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on roasting method)
Note: To roast garlic and red peppers, place them directly on the grill or oven rack. For grilled, close the lid for 10-12 minutes. For baked, check every 2-3 minutes until charred. Let cool before using.
Carrot and Ginger Chutney
This sweet and spicy chutney is a perfect condiment to elevate the flavor of your favorite Indian dishes, from naan bread to grilled meats. The combination of carrots, ginger, and spices creates a tangy and aromatic condiment that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add grated carrots, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt. Stir well.
3. Cook for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chutney reaches desired consistency.
5. Let it cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the joy of ball canning with these easy and delicious recipes perfect for beginners! From sweet treats like homemade strawberry jam and peach preserves, to tangy condiments like classic dill pickles and zesty bread and butter pickles, there’s something for everyone. Plus, explore international flavors with roasted garlic pasta sauce, maple bourbon peach butter, and carrot and ginger chutney. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these 18 easy recipes will guide you through the process of preserving your favorite foods in a jar.