Canning Bean and Ham Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Way to Preserve Summer Flavors
Canning your own soup is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homemade flavors all year round. Bean and ham soup is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a chilly day, and it's surprisingly easy to can. This article will guide you through the process of making and canning your own delicious bean and ham soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried beans (such as pinto, kidney, or black beans)
- 1 lb ham bone (or 1 cup diced ham)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the dried beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in cold water.
- In the morning, drain the beans and add them to a large pot.
2. Cook the Soup:
- Add the ham bone (or diced ham), chopped onion, carrots, celery, broth, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and any optional spices to the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- If using a ham bone, remove it from the pot and pick off the meat. Return the meat to the soup.
- Discard the ham bone.
3. Prepare for Canning:
- Sterilize your jars, lids, and rings by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.
- Leave the jars in the hot water until ready to use.
4. Can the Soup:
- Ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the lids on the jars, and screw on the rings until they are finger-tight.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 75 minutes. This time ensures proper sterilization.
- Important: Follow the specific processing times and instructions for your altitude.
5. Cooling and Storage:
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely.
- You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal.
- After cooling, check the lids for proper sealing. If there is any give, or if the lid doesn't seal properly, the jar should be refrigerated and eaten within a few days.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy Your Canned Bean and Ham Soup!
Tips:
- Use a large pot for cooking the soup, as it will expand during the simmering process.
- Don't overfill the jars with soup. Leaving 1 inch of headspace is crucial for proper sealing and safety.
- If you are at a higher altitude, you may need to increase the processing time.
- Always follow the specific instructions and recommendations for safe canning practices.
Safety Precautions:
- Always follow safe canning practices to ensure the quality and safety of your homemade food.
- Use a good quality pressure canner and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
- Never can low-acid foods like beans in a boiling water bath.
- Use proper canning jars and lids designed for preserving food.
- Make sure your jars are sterilized before filling them with food.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious canned bean and ham soup that you can enjoy any time of year.
