"Canning Tomato Soup with Chicken Broth: Easy Recipe & Tips"

Canning Tomato Soup with Chicken Broth: A Wholesome Staple

Canning tomato soup with chicken broth is a delightful way to preserve the flavors of summer and enjoy a comforting meal throughout the year. This hearty soup, with its rich tomato base and savory chicken broth, is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create this pantry staple at home.

Benefits of Canning Tomato Soup

Canning tomato soup is an excellent way to make the most of your garden's tomato harvest or to stock up on nutritious meals during sale seasons. Here are some benefits of canning tomato soup:

• Preserves peak-season flavors for year-round enjoyment
• Saves time and money by having meals ready-to-go
• Reduces food waste by using up ripe tomatoes
• Provides a nutritious and convenient meal option

Ingredients and Equipment

Before you begin, gather your ingredients and equipment:

Preparing the Tomato Soup

Follow these steps to create your delicious tomato soup:

1. Blanch and peel the tomatoes. Cut them into chunks and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add tomato chunks, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4. Use a food mill or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Canning the Tomato Soup

Once your soup is prepared, it's time to can it for long-term storage:

1. Prepare your canner, jars, and lids according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Ladle hot soup into clean, hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace at the top.
3. Wipe the rim of the jar clean, center the lid on the jar, and apply the band, fingertip tight.
4. Place the jars in the canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a full rolling boil.
5. Process the jars at a full rolling boil for 45 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
6. Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes.
7. Remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-covered counter to cool undisturbed for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, check the seals. Properly sealed lids will be concave. Any jars that did not seal should be refrigerated and used within a few days. Label and store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Enjoy your homemade canned tomato soup with chicken broth as a comforting meal or a base for other dishes. Happy canning!