Vegetable Soup Recipe To Can For Easy Meal Prep

There’s something truly comforting about a hearty bowl of vegetable soup, especially when you know it’s homemade and preserved for those chilly days ahead. Canning your own vegetable soup not only saves time but also locks in the fresh flavors of vibrant veggies, making it a pantry staple that’s ready whenever you need a wholesome meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to the process, this vegetable soup recipe is designed to be straightforward, nutritious, and adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Plus, home-canned soup means no preservatives and full control over your ingredients, perfect for anyone seeking a healthy and delicious option that warms you from the inside out.

In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make, can, and enjoy this delicious vegetable soup. From ingredient lists to step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you’ll gain confidence in preserving your own meals.

If you love wholesome vegetarian dishes, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable soup recipe is a perfect blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients simmered together to create a comforting, flavorful broth. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable to seasonal produce, meaning you can customize it to suit your tastes or what’s available in your garden or local market.

Canning the soup allows you to enjoy the taste of fresh vegetables year-round without the hassle of daily preparation. It’s ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone wanting a quick and nutritious meal option.

Plus, this soup freezes and reheats beautifully, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen routine.

Using simple, pantry-friendly spices and quality vegetable broth ensures every jar bursts with flavor. Once you master this basic recipe, you can experiment with herbs and spices – for example, try incorporating some of the techniques from our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to add a bit of heat and complexity.

Ingredients

• 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or canned, drained)
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 2 cups diced celery
• 2 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
• 1 ½ cups chopped green beans
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky kick

Equipment

• Large stockpot or soup pot
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Large canning jars (pint or quart size)
• Canning lids and rings
• Water bath canner or large pot with rack
• Jar lifter and funnel
• Clean towels or cloths
• Timer or watch

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel if necessary, and dice all vegetables into roughly uniform pieces for even cooking and a pleasant texture.
2. Sauté aromatics: In your large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add vegetables and broth: Stir in the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, and tomatoes. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
5. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning: Take out the bay leaf and taste the soup, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Add smoked paprika or chili powder if desired for extra flavor.
6. Prepare jars and lids: While the soup simmers, sterilize your canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep jars warm until ready to fill to prevent cracking.
7. Fill the jars: Using a funnel, ladle the hot soup into the jars, leaving about 1-inch headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
8. Seal and process jars: Place the lids and rings on jars, tightening rings just until fingertip tight. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 75 minutes (pints) or 90 minutes (quarts) to safely preserve.
9. Cool and store: Remove jars carefully and place them on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals after cooling – lids should be concave and not pop when pressed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.

Tips & Variations

“Always use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the soup before canning; vegetables should be tender but still hold their shape after processing.”

Feel free to customize your vegetable soup with seasonal produce or extras like diced zucchini, spinach, or kale added just before canning. For a protein boost, consider adding rinsed canned beans after opening the jars rather than before canning to keep texture intact.

If you want a creamier soup, blend a portion of the cooled soup before canning or add coconut milk when reheating. To explore more vegetable-rich soups that are perfect for preserving or quick meals, visit our Vegan Fall Soup Recipes To Warm Your Cozy Evenings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable soup is wonderfully versatile. Serve it piping hot with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or toasted garlic baguette for a filling lunch or light dinner.

For a heartier meal, pair it with a protein-rich salad or a sandwich, such as our Vegetarian Burger Recipe Lentils That Everyone Will Love.

Leftover canned soup can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce can also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Home-canning vegetable soup is a rewarding way to preserve the tastes of fresh produce and enjoy them throughout the year. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, ensuring you have a wholesome meal ready whenever you need it.

By following safe canning practices and quality ingredient choices, you’ll create delicious, nutrient-packed jars that are perfect for busy nights, camping trips, or emergency food supplies.

Whether you customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice it up with herbs and seasonings, this soup is a kitchen staple that’s easy to rely on. For more delicious vegetarian recipes that complement your healthy lifestyle, explore our collection of Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Happy canning and happy cooking!

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