The Best Canning Salsa

Ingredients

• 30 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 10 cups chopped onions
• 2 cups vinegar
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 4 banana peppers, chopped
• 1/2 cup white sugar, or more to taste
• 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 8 teaspoons pickling salt
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 17 (1 pint) canning jars with lids and rings

Directions

Combine tomatoes, onions, vinegar, tomato paste, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, banana peppers, sugar, garlic, pickling salt, and black pepper in a large stockpot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix cilantro into salsa.

Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack salsa into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 35 minutes.

Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.