What To Know
- Potato soup is an ideal candidate for canning because it is relatively low in acid and has a thick consistency.
- Store the canned potato soup in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
- If the soup is too thick after canning, you can add a little bit of water or milk to thin it out.
Potato soup is a beloved comfort food that can warm you up on a cold day. But can you preserve the deliciousness of potato soup by canning it? The answer is a resounding yes! Canning potato soup is a great way to extend its shelf life and enjoy it for months to come.
Understanding the Canning Process
Canning is a method of preserving food by sealing it in airtight containers and heating it to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This process creates a vacuum inside the container, preventing spoilage. Potato soup is an ideal candidate for canning because it is relatively low in acid and has a thick consistency.
Ingredients and Equipment for Canning Potato Soup
To can potato soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
You will also need the following equipment:
- Pressure canner
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Funnel
- Bubble popper
Step-by-Step Canning Instructions
1. Prepare the soup: In a large pot, combine the potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Make the roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Thicken the soup: Gradually whisk the roux into the potato soup until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
4. Season to taste: Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fill the jars: Ladle the hot soup into clean canning jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
6. Remove air bubbles: Use a bubble popper to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
7. Wipe the rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food residue.
8. Seal the jars: Place the lids and rings on the jars and tighten them finger-tight.
9. Process the jars: Place the filled jars in a pressure canner and process them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For half-pint jars, process at 10 pounds of pressure for 75 minutes; for pint jars, process at 10 pounds of pressure for 90 minutes.
10. Cool and store: After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. Store the canned potato soup in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Benefits of Canning Potato Soup
There are several benefits to canning potato soup:
- Extended shelf life: Canned potato soup can be stored for up to 1 year, which makes it a great option for long-term food storage.
- Convenience: Canned potato soup is easy to prepare. Simply open a jar and heat it up.
- Nutrient preservation: Canning preserves the nutrients in potato soup, making it a healthy and convenient meal option.
Troubleshooting Common Canning Issues
- The soup is too thick: If the soup is too thick after canning, you can add a little bit of water or milk to thin it out.
- The soup is too thin: If the soup is too thin, you can add a little bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken it.
- The jars did not seal properly: If the jars did not seal properly, the soup may spoil. Reprocess the soup in a pressure canner.
Alternative Canning Methods
In addition to pressure canning, there are other methods of canning potato soup, such as:
- Water bath canning: This method is suitable for high-acid foods only. Potato soup is not high in acid, so it is not recommended to use this method.
- Steam canning: This method is similar to pressure canning, but it uses steam instead of pressure. It is not as effective as pressure canning, but it is a good option if you do not have a pressure canner.
Key Points: Preserving the Comfort of Potato Soup
Canning potato soup is a great way to preserve the deliciousness of this comfort food and enjoy it for months to come. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively can potato soup and reap the benefits of extended shelf life, convenience, and nutrient preservation.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How long can canned potato soup be stored?
A: Canned potato soup can be stored for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.
Q: Can I use a regular pot to can potato soup?
A: No, you must use a pressure canner to can potato soup. Regular pots do not reach the high temperatures necessary to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.
Q: What can I add to canned potato soup to make it more flavorful?
A: You can add a variety of ingredients to canned potato soup to enhance its flavor, such as diced ham, cooked bacon, shredded cheese, or chopped vegetables.
