How To Can Homemade Vegetable Soup

Are you a fan of homemade vegetable soup? Do you wish you could enjoy its deliciousness even when the ingredients are out of season? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of canning your very own homemade vegetable soup so you can savor its flavors all year round.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin the canning process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh vegetables of your choice (carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes, etc.)
Canned tomatoes or tomato juice
Onions and garlic
Vegetable broth
Herbs and spices (such as thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper)
Quality canning jars with lids

You can customize the vegetable combination based on your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment and get creative with the flavors!

Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by washing and peeling your vegetables. Dice them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly in the soup. Don’t forget to chop the onions and mince the garlic.

Cook the Soup

In a large pot, combine the vegetables, canned tomatoes or tomato juice, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth. Add the desired amount of herbs and spices to enhance the flavors. Simmer the mixture over medium heat until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sterilize Your Jars

While the soup is cooking, it’s time to prepare your canning jars. Clean them thoroughly and sterilize them by boiling them in a large pot of water for at least 10 minutes. Make sure the jars are completely submerged in water during this process.

Pack and Seal the Jars

Once the soup is ready and the jars are sterilized, it’s time to pack the soup into the jars. Use a ladle to carefully fill each jar, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. This allows room for expansion during the canning process.

Before sealing the jars with the lids, wipe the rims clean to ensure a proper seal. Apply the lids firmly but not too tight. You want them to be secure, but still allow air to escape during the canning process.

Process in a Pressure Canner

To safely can your homemade vegetable soup, you’ll need a pressure canner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage and processing times. Generally, you’ll need to process the jars at the recommended pressure for a specific amount of time.

Vegetable soup with meat: process at 11 pounds of pressure for 75 minutes.
Vegetable soup without meat: process at 11 pounds of pressure for 40 minutes.

Ensure that you adjust the pressure and processing time based on your altitude to guarantee safe canning.

Cool and Store

After the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure canner to cool naturally. Once the pressure has normalized, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool completely.

As the jars cool, you may hear a satisfying “pop” sound, indicating that the lids have sealed properly. If any jars haven’t sealed within 24 hours, refrigerate them and consume within a few days.

Enjoy Your Homemade Vegetable Soup Anytime!

Now that your homemade vegetable soup is safely canned, you can store it in your pantry and enjoy it whenever you desire a comforting, healthy meal. Simply heat it on the stove or microwave and savor the taste of your labor of love.

Make sure to label your jars with the date of canning so you can keep track of their freshness. Canned vegetable soup typically remains safe to consume for up to one year.

Canning homemade vegetable soup allows you to preserve the goodness of the harvest season and enjoy it throughout the year. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on the flavorful journey of canning your very own homemade vegetable soup. Your future self will be grateful!

Share your thoughts and experiences on canning homemade vegetable soup in the Food Preservation forum section. Join the discussion and learn from other home canning enthusiasts!

FAQ:

Can I use any vegetables to make homemade vegetable soup?

Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables to make homemade vegetable soup. It’s actually a great way to use up any vegetables that you have on hand or that may be in season. Some common vegetables used in vegetable soup include carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, green beans, peas, and corn.

Do I have to peel the vegetables before adding them to the soup?

It is generally recommended to peel vegetables like carrots and potatoes before adding them to the soup. However, you can leave the skin on vegetables like zucchini or squash if you prefer. It’s ultimately a personal preference, but peeling the vegetables can help ensure a smoother texture in the soup.

Should I cook the vegetables before canning the soup?

Yes, it is important to cook the vegetables before canning the soup. This will help to ensure that they are adequately cooked and tenderized, and it will also help to preserve the flavor and quality of the vegetables during the canning process.

What type of broth should I use in the vegetable soup?

You can use any type of broth that you prefer in the vegetable soup. Common options include vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth, depending on your taste preferences. You can also use homemade broth if you have it available.

Can I add meat or beans to the vegetable soup?

Yes, you can add meat or beans to the vegetable soup if you’d like to make it more hearty and filling. Some popular options include adding cooked chicken, beef, or sausage, as well as kidney beans or chickpeas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if adding meat or beans.

How long can I store canned vegetable soup?

When properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, homemade vegetable soup can typically be stored for up to one year. It’s a good idea to label the jars with the date they were canned so that you can keep track of their freshness.

Are there any special precautions I should take when canning vegetable soup?

Yes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when canning vegetable soup. Make sure to use appropriate canning jars and lids, following all safety guidelines. It’s important to properly sterilize the jars, handle them carefully to prevent breakage, and follow proper processing times to ensure the soup is safely preserved. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult reliable canning resources or recipes for precise instructions and safety guidelines.

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How To Can Homemade Vegetable Soup