Homemade Tomato Soup for Canning: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Are you looking for a way to preserve the summer's bounty of tomatoes? Look no further than homemade tomato soup! This classic recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your pantry.
Canning your own tomato soup allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a wholesome and flavorful soup that you can enjoy throughout the year. Plus, it's a great way to make the most of your garden's harvest.
Here's what you'll need to make a batch of homemade tomato soup for canning:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes - Choose tomatoes that are firm and blemish-free.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
- Wash the tomatoes and remove any stems or blemishes.
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters or eighths, depending on their size.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
- Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened.
Step 4: Puree the Soup
- Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- If using a regular blender, work in batches to avoid splattering.
Step 5: Add Broth and Cream
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer again.
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream at this point.
Step 6: Canning the Soup
- Sterilize jars and lids: Wash jars and lids in hot soapy water and sterilize them by boiling for 10 minutes.
- Fill the jars: Carefully pour the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Process the jars: Follow the recommended processing time for tomato soup using a water bath canner. This will ensure that the soup is properly preserved and safe to eat.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy!
- Once the jars are processed, let them cool completely.
- Label and store the jars in a cool, dark place.
- Your homemade tomato soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Making the Best Tomato Soup:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your soup will be much better if you use ripe tomatoes.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices: You can add other spices to your soup, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little bit of cold water) to the soup before simmering.
- Use a pressure canner: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to use a pressure canner to safely preserve your tomato soup.
With these tips and this easy recipe, you'll be able to enjoy the taste of summer all year long with your own homemade canned tomato soup!
