Making your own canned tomato soup is a rewarding experience, offering a delicious and convenient alternative to store-bought varieties. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process, ensuring you create a safe and flavorful product that will last for months. We'll cover everything from selecting the right tomatoes to ensuring proper sterilization for safe canning.
What Kind of Tomatoes are Best for Canning Soup?
Choosing the right tomatoes is crucial for a flavorful soup. Roma tomatoes, with their low water content and meaty texture, are a popular choice for canning. However, you can also use other varieties, such as San Marzano or heirloom tomatoes, depending on your preference. The key is to select ripe, firm tomatoes that are free from blemishes and bruises. Avoid using overripe or damaged tomatoes, as these can affect the taste and safety of your canned soup.
How to Make Delicious Tomato Soup for Canning
This recipe yields approximately 7 pints of tomato soup. Adjust quantities as needed for your canning jars.
Ingredients:
- 12 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for a richer soup)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and core them. Roughly chop the tomatoes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the 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 the Soup: Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender (work in batches) and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Add Cream (Optional): If desired, stir in the heavy cream or milk and heat through. Do not boil after adding the cream.
- Canning Process: Follow proper canning procedures. This includes sterilizing your jars and lids, carefully filling the jars, leaving headspace, removing air bubbles, wiping the rims, and sealing the jars with lids and rings. Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath according to your canning jar manufacturer's instructions. Processing time for pints is typically around 35 minutes at a rolling boil.
- Cool and Check Seals: Allow the jars to cool completely. Check the seals to ensure they have popped down, indicating a proper seal.
How Long Does Canned Tomato Soup Last?
Properly canned tomato soup, stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, can last for 12-18 months. Always check the seals before opening any jar. If a seal is broken or the soup shows signs of spoilage (e.g., mold, unusual odor), discard it immediately.
What are the Different Ways to Can Tomato Soup?
While boiling water bath canning is the most common method for home canning, a pressure canner is required for low-acid foods. Tomato soup, with its relatively high acidity from the tomatoes themselves, is safe to can using a boiling water bath. However, always follow tested recipes and ensure proper procedures are followed for safe canning.
Can I Freeze Tomato Soup Instead of Canning It?
Yes, you can freeze tomato soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen tomato soup will typically last for 3-6 months.
Is it Safe to Can Tomato Soup at Home?
Yes, it's safe to can tomato soup at home as long as you follow proper canning procedures, including using tested recipes, sterilizing jars and equipment, and processing the jars for the recommended time and temperature. Failure to follow these steps can result in spoilage or the growth of harmful bacteria. Consult reputable canning resources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation for detailed information and guidelines.
This comprehensive guide provides a starting point for your homemade canned tomato soup journey. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow established canning practices for the best results. Enjoy your delicious, homemade soup!
