How to Can Vegetable Soup With Meat

How to Can Vegetable Soup With Meat

Canning vegetable soup with meat is a great way to enjoy a warm and hearty meal during the colder months. Not only does it provide a convenient option for busy days, but it also allows you to preserve the freshness of ingredients for longer periods. Follow these simple steps to can your own delicious vegetable soup with meat.

1. Gather your ingredients: Choose a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans, and peas. You can also add meat for extra flavor and protein, such as beef or chicken. Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of high quality.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel, and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice the meat into small cubes.

3. Cook the soup: In a large pot, combine the vegetables, meat, and any desired seasonings or spices. Add enough water or broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

4. Sterilize your jars: Wash your canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize.

5. Fill the jars: Ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims clean and seal with the sterilized lids.

6. Process the jars: Place the filled jars into a pressure canner or boiling water bath canner. Process according to the recommended time and pressure for your altitude and type of canner.

7. Cool and store: Once the jars have been processed, carefully remove them from the canner and allow them to cool. Check the seals to ensure they are tight. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

FAQs:

1. Can I use any type of meat?
Yes, you can use any type of meat you prefer. Beef, chicken, or even sausages work well in vegetable soup.

2. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian option?
Of course! Simply exclude the meat and increase the amount of vegetables for a hearty vegetarian vegetable soup.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are not available. However, they may become slightly softer during the canning process.

4. Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
It is not recommended to add pasta or rice when canning vegetable soup, as they can become mushy and affect the overall texture.

5. How long does the canned soup last?
When properly canned and stored, vegetable soup can last up to a year.

6. Do I need a pressure canner?
Yes, a pressure canner is essential for canning vegetable soup with meat, as it ensures the soup reaches the necessary temperature for safe preservation.

7. How do I know if the jars are properly sealed?
After the jars have cooled, press down on the center of each lid. If it does not pop back, the jar is sealed. If it pops back, refrigerate and consume the soup within a few days.