The aroma of homemade tomato soup, simmered to perfection and then carefully preserved for enjoyment throughout the year—there's nothing quite like it. Canning your own tomato soup is a rewarding experience, allowing you to control the ingredients and enjoy the taste of summer far beyond the growing season. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you achieve safe and delicious results.
What Kind of Tomatoes Are Best for Canning Tomato Soup?
Choosing the right tomatoes is crucial for a flavorful soup. Roma tomatoes, with their meaty texture and low moisture content, are a popular choice for canning. However, you can also use a blend of different tomato varieties, including heirloom tomatoes, for a richer, more complex flavor profile. Avoid using tomatoes that are overripe, bruised, or showing signs of spoilage.
How to Make Tomato Soup for Canning: A Step-by-Step Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 7 pints of tomato soup. Adjust quantities as needed based on your canning jar capacity.
Ingredients:
- 12 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 cup water (or more, if needed)
Instructions:
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash and core your tomatoes. Roughly chop them into large pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the pot. Add the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and broken down.
- Puree Soup: Carefully transfer the simmered tomato mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and puree until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust Seasoning: Return the pureed soup to the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
- Canning Process: Ensure you have properly sterilized your jars and lids according to the instructions provided with your canning equipment. Carefully ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles by running a non-metal utensil around the inside of the jar. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids and rings on the jars, and tighten fingertip-tight.
- Process in a Water Bath Canner: Place the filled jars in a water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, and process pints for 35 minutes. For quarts, process for 45 minutes (adjust processing time based on your altitude – consult your canning manual for specific altitude adjustments).
- Cool and Check Seals: Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely undisturbed. You should hear a "pop" sound as the lids seal. Check to ensure all lids are sealed properly.
How Long Does Canned Tomato Soup Last?
Properly canned tomato soup can last for 12-18 months in a cool, dark, and dry place. Always check the seal before consuming. If the lid is bulging or doesn’t pop when pressed, discard the jar.
Can I Freeze Tomato Soup Instead of Canning It?
Yes, freezing tomato soup is a perfectly acceptable alternative to canning. Freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen tomato soup typically lasts for 6-12 months.
What are the Benefits of Canning My Own Tomato Soup?
Canning allows you to preserve the bounty of your garden (or your supermarket haul!) and enjoy fresh flavors year-round. You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives found in commercially produced soups. It's also a great way to save money in the long run.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to My Canned Tomato Soup?
Absolutely! Consider adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to your soup before pureeing. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
This guide provides a thorough overview of canning tomato soup. Remember to always prioritize food safety and consult a reliable canning resource for detailed instructions and safety guidelines specific to your location and altitude. Enjoy your delicious homemade canned tomato soup!
