Canning Tomato Soup: A Classic Comfort Food for Your Pantry
Tomato soup is a staple in many kitchens, offering a warm and comforting meal any time of year. But what if you could enjoy that same deliciousness throughout the year, even when fresh tomatoes are out of season? Canning tomato soup is a fantastic way to preserve the flavors of summer and have a pantry full of homemade goodness.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 6 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 12 medium tomatoes)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes and remove any damaged areas.
- Chop the tomatoes into smaller pieces, about 1 inch in size.
- You can use a food mill or blender to remove the skins and seeds if you prefer a smoother texture.
2. Cooking the Soup:
- In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, celery, parsley, salt, sugar, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender to achieve your desired texture.
3. Canning the Soup:
- Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Heat the soup to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Carefully pour the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands securely.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes, adjusting for your altitude.
- Important: Be sure to follow your local USDA guidelines for canning times and safety measures.
4. Cooling and Storing:
- Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the boiling water bath and allow them to cool completely.
- You should hear a "popping" sound as the lids seal, indicating that the canning process was successful.
- Store your canned tomato soup in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Enjoying Your Homemade Tomato Soup:
- You can enjoy your canned tomato soup as is or use it as a base for other recipes, like tomato bisque or gazpacho.
- Add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor.
- Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches, crackers, or crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the jars during processing.
- Follow the USDA guidelines for canning safety.
- Label your jars with the date of canning for freshness.
With this recipe and a little time and effort, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long. Canned tomato soup is a great way to preserve the goodness of fresh produce and have a delicious and convenient meal on hand whenever you need it.
