Mild Tomato Salsa

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. + simmering Process: 20 min.

Makes

10 pints

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota
Mild Tomato Salsa Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 10-1/2 pounds tomatoes (about 35 medium)
  • 4 medium green peppers, chopped
  • 3 large onions, chopped
  • 2 cans (12 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 1-3/4 cups white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
  • 1 celery rib, chopped
  • 15 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 to 5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup canning salt
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions

  1. In a Dutch oven, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, place tomatoes, a few at a time, in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Remove each tomato and immediately plunge into ice water. Drain and pat dry. Peel and quarter tomatoes; place in a stockpot.
  2. Cook tomatoes, uncovered, over medium heat 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 cups liquid. Return tomatoes to the pot. Stir in green peppers, onions, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, red pepper, celery, garlic, jalapenos, canning salt, hot pepper sauce and reserved tomato liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 1 hour, stirring frequently.
  3. Ladle hot mixture into 10 hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.
  4. Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 20 minutes. Remove jars and cool.
Peppers (Hot)
Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.