Mrs. Patterson'S Tomato Sauce

Prep: 30 min Cook: 105 min Cuisine: American

Mrs. Patterson's Tomato Sauce features ripe tomatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of spices, offering a rich, tangy flavor perfect for pasta, meats, or as a condiment.

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Ingredients

  • 30 to 35 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 10 bell peppers, chopped
  • 5 banana peppers, chopped
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 heaping tablespoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups vinegar
  • 2 heaping tablespoons pickling spice, tied in cheesecloth

Instructions

  1. Use a 6 to 8 quart pot.
  2. Start cooking on high for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Then, reduce heat to low and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring often.
  4. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour to thicken.
  5. After cooking, remove the bag of pickling spice.
  6. Put the sauce in clean jars and seal at once.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother sauce, consider blending the tomatoes after chopping. If you're short on time, canned tomatoes can be a convenient substitute. Adjust the sugar to taste, depending on the acidity of your tomatoes. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This sauce can be used in various American recipes, enhancing dishes like pasta or pizza.

Serving Suggestions

This tomato sauce is great over pasta or as a base for homemade pizza. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also works well as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a topping for baked chicken. For a delightful side, serve with Harry'S Slaw for a refreshing crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sauce in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portioned containers for up to six months. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to prevent splatters.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mrs. Patterson'S Tomato Sauce contains roughly 720 calories, with 9g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1985mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).

720 kcal 36% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 152.7g 56% DV
Fiber 12.3g 44% DV
Sugar 79.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1985.3mg 86% DV
Potassium 1472.9mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 117mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 132.4mg 100% DV
Calcium 214mg 16% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can mix different varieties of tomatoes based on what you have available. Roma tomatoes are great for sauce due to their lower moisture content, while beefsteak tomatoes add rich flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste might vary slightly, so adjust the seasoning if necessary.

How can I thicken the sauce without using flour?

If you prefer to avoid flour, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Mix one tablespoon of either with a little cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, simmer the sauce longer to naturally reduce and thicken it.

Is this sauce suitable for canning?

Yes, this sauce can be canned. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures for safety. Use sterilized jars and process them in a water bath for the recommended time to preserve the sauce. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming canned goods.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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