Ultimate Garlic Canning Tomato Soup Recipe for Flavorsome Meals
Let me take you back to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of simmering garlic would dance through the air, twirling around the sweetness of ripe, juicy tomatoes. It was during the lazy days of summer when my grandmother and I would spend hours harvesting ingredients from her lush garden, transforming them into jars of pure comfort. One of my all-time favorites was her Garlic Canning Tomato Soup – a recipe that not only warms the belly but also brings back a flood of nostalgic memories.
This Garlic Canning Tomato Soup is a celebration of simple pleasures. Whether it’s a cool autumn evening or a rainy afternoon, this soup wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor. Plus, canning it means you can enjoy that warmth long after summer fades away. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be tempted to bottle up every last drop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner: Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a hearty meal!
- Budget-friendly: Perfect for using up surplus tomatoes and pantry staples.
- Comforting flavors: The garlic and herbs create a warm hug for your taste buds.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, or dress it up with toppings.
- Home canning: Enjoy that homemade goodness all year long.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delightful Garlic Canning Tomato Soup:
- 10 cups of ripe tomatoes (about 10-12 medium-sized, peeled and chopped)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 8 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar, to balance acidity (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (helps preserve the bright flavor)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium works best)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s do this!
- Prep the Tomatoes: Start by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then plunge them into an ice bath. This will make peeling a breeze! Once cooled, chop and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and translucent – about 5 minutes. The fragrance will be divine! Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown (browned garlic can taste bitter).
- Mix It All Together: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot, along with the sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is the point where your kitchen will start smelling like a little slice of heaven! If you see the tomatoes breaking down, don’t worry; that’s exactly what we want.
- Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. After that, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This allows all those hearty flavors to meld together.
- Blend to Perfection: Once you’re happy with the consistency, take the pot off the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, but be careful of hot splatters! If you like a chunky texture, feel free to leave some bits of tomato intact.
- Taste and Adjust: Now’s your chance to taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as you see fit. It’s all about creating that perfect flavor profile for your palate!
- Can the Soup: If you plan to can it, ladle the hot soup into sterilized jars, leaving about an inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a hot water bath for 30 minutes (adjusting for your altitude). If not canning, feel free to chow down now or store in the refrigerator for later!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, why not get a little creative?
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or toss in some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or dill for freshness.
- Creamy Twist: For a richer flavor, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt once you’ve blended it.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped carrots or celery with the onions for extra sneaky nutrition!
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Garlic Canning Tomato Soup is ready, the world is your oyster! Here’s how I love to serve it:
- With Crusty Bread: A thick slice of sourdough or a rustic baguette is perfect for dipping, or you can float some crispy grilled cheese croutons on top.
- Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve it over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. It makes the soup feel even more filling.
- Salad Sidekick: Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- Fancy Coffee: And don’t forget, a warm cup of coffee or a chilled glass of wine always pairs beautifully with a cozy soup dinner!
Storage Tips
Let’s talk storage! This soup is super forgiving and keeps well if you take care of it:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 6 months. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot.
- Reheating: Always bring it back to a delicious simmer on the stove to restore that vibrant flavor. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great substitute. Use about 4-5 cans (15 oz each) of diced or crushed tomatoes. Just skip the blanching and peeling step.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you find the soup is too thin for your liking, you can add a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste or allow it to simmer longer to reduce liquid. Alternatively, blending in a few cooked potatoes can give it a cozy thickness!
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes! Just ensure you use vegetable broth and skip any cream or dairy products. It will be just as delicious!
How do I know if the soup is safe to can?
Always use tested canning methods and keep everything sanitized. The addition of lemon juice keeps it safe and adds a nice bright flavor. If you’re unsure, you can also freeze the soup as a safe alternative.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Definitely! You can sauté your aromatics on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, and you’ll just love the flavors that develop!
Conclusion
And there you have it – a pot of Garlic Canning Tomato Soup that’ll warm your heart and make your kitchen smell like a little slice of heaven. This recipe is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you just need a little taste of home. I’d love for you to give this a try and let me know how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts or any variations you came up with. Happy cooking, my friend!
Ultimate Garlic Canning Tomato Soup Recipe for Flavorsome Meals
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover the best ways to prepare garlic canning tomato soup for delicious meals Enhance flavors with this easy recipe packed with fresh ingredients
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A flavorful Garlic Canning Tomato Soup that captures the essence of summer with fresh garlic and ripe tomatoes. Perfect for canning and enjoying year-round.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Garlic Tomato Soup, Canning, Homemade Soup, Tomato Recipe, Comfort Food