Canned Tomato Soup: A Recipe for Delicious Homemade Comfort
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. It's warm, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. And even better, you can easily can your homemade tomato soup for a delicious and convenient meal any time of year.
Here's a simple recipe for canning tomato soup:
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash and chop the tomatoes. Remove the cores and any damaged areas.
- Place the chopped tomatoes in a large pot with the onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The tomatoes should be softened and the mixture should have thickened slightly.
3. Puree the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If using a regular blender, work in batches to avoid overflowing.
4. Stir in the Parsley and Water:
- Add the chopped parsley and water to the soup. Stir well to combine.
5. Can the Soup:
- Sterilize the jars and lids: Wash jars and lids in hot soapy water. Place them in a large pot and fill with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars and lids simmer for 10 minutes.
- Fill the jars: Carefully ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a clean seal.
- Process the jars: Place a rack in the bottom of a large pot and add the jars. Fill the pot with water until the water is 1-2 inches above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and process the jars for 35 minutes for pint jars or 45 minutes for quart jars.
- Remove and cool: Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter and place them on a clean towel to cool completely.
- Check for a seal: Once cool, gently press the center of the lids. If they are sealed, you'll hear a popping sound.
Tips:
- Use high-quality tomatoes: The flavor of your soup will depend on the quality of your tomatoes.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: You can add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings like herbs or spices to the soup.
- Add a touch of sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter tomato soup, add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the soup while cooking.
- Use a pressure canner: If you live at a high altitude, it's recommended to use a pressure canner for canning.
Enjoy your homemade canned tomato soup! You can eat it hot as a meal or use it as a base for other recipes. Enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich, or use it to make a creamy tomato pasta sauce.
