Crafting homemade tomato soup for canning is a rewarding and comforting endeavor. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a beginner, this detailed guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring you create a delicious and shelf-stable soup that will warm you throughout the year. Embrace the nostalgia and savor the taste of summer-ripened tomatoes in every savory spoonful.
How To Make Tomato Soup for Canning
Mastering the process of canning tomato soup begins with gathering the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will require ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, celery, vegetable broth, and seasonings of your choice. Basic kitchen tools, such as a blender, large pot, and canning supplies (jars, lids, and rings) are essential for canning success.
Begin by prepping the tomatoes: remove the stem ends and roughly chop them. Sauté chopped onions and garlic in a large pot until softened. Add celery and continue sautéing until fragrant. Purée the tomatoes in a blender until smooth and add them to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, adding vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency. Enhance the flavors with seasonings such as salt, pepper, herbs, and spices.
Once the soup has simmered for 15-20 minutes, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend it until it reaches your preferred texture. Return the blended soup to the pot and heat it through. Season to taste and adjust the consistency with additional broth if necessary.
Prepare canning jars by sterilizing them in boiling water. Fill the jars with hot tomato soup, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on top, and tighten the rings securely.
Submerge the filled jars in a hot water bath canner, ensuring the water level covers the jars by at least 1 inch. Process for 35 minutes for half-pint jars and 45 minutes for pint jars (adjust the processing time for your altitude).
Once the processing time is complete, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a wire rack. As the soup cools, check the seals on the lids to ensure they have created a vacuum.
Store the canned tomato soup in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Enjoy the tantalizing aroma and rich flavors of homemade tomato soup whenever you crave a comforting and wholesome meal.
Tips or Possible Variations
To enhance the flavor of your tomato soup, consider roasting the tomatoes before blending. This technique intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth to the soup.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique variations. Try adding basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, or a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
Make a creamy tomato soup by adding a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the simmering process. This indulgent variation is perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat.
Canning tomato soup is a valuable skill that allows you to preserve the bountiful harvest of summer tomatoes. Embrace the satisfaction of creating homemade, shelf-stable soup that nourishes your family and evokes memories with every spoonful.
As you master the art of canning tomato soup, relish the versatility and convenience it offers. Whether you’re enjoying a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening or using it as a base for hearty stews, the flavors of summer will always be within reach.
