A Hearty and Convenient Meal: Canning Vegetable Soup with Meat
Canning vegetable soup with meat is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal during the colder months. This process requires a bit of time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it! You'll have a pantry full of ready-to-eat soup that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal.
Choosing Your Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is that it allows for endless variations! Here are some key considerations:
Meat: Choose a meat that cooks well in a soup, such as beef, chicken, sausage, or ground meat.
Vegetables: Get creative with your favorite vegetables! Popular choices include carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, corn, green beans, and peas. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables.
Broth: Use a flavorful broth for your soup base. Chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth all work well.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs are essential. Other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or thyme can also add depth of flavor.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Meat: Cook the meat until it's tender. You can use a slow cooker, pressure cooker, or simmer it on the stovetop. If using ground meat, brown it before adding to the soup.
Vegetables: Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh vegetables, blanch them briefly to retain their color and texture.
Broth: Heat the broth to a simmer.
The Canning Process
1. Sterilize Jars: Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water. Place jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
2. Assemble the Soup: Combine the cooked meat, vegetables, and broth in a large pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Fill Jars: Carefully ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace.
4. Process in a Water Bath: Place the filled jars in a canning pot with enough water to cover the jars by 1-2 inches. Bring the water to a boil and process according to the recommended time for your recipe.
5. Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Once cool, check for proper seals. Store canned soup in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoy Your Homemade Soup!
Once the soup is cooled, you can enjoy it right away or save it for later. To heat the soup, simply open a jar and heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Canning your own vegetable soup with meat is a rewarding experience. It allows you to enjoy homemade comfort food any time of year, while also providing a sense of accomplishment and a touch of nostalgia. Remember to follow proper food safety guidelines, and enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade soup!
