Originally posted on September 2, 2015 @ 10:58 pm
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially when made from scratch and preserved to enjoy year-round. Canning tomato soup is a fantastic way to capture the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and savory seasonings so you can savor homemade goodness anytime you want.
Whether you’re preparing for winter months or creating thoughtful gifts, canning tomato soup unlocks convenience without compromising taste. In this guide, we’ll dive into a detailed recipe for canning tomato soup safely and deliciously, with easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips.
Plus, you’ll find variations to suit your palate and serving ideas that turn this classic into a meal highlight.
Preserving your own tomato soup not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives found in store-bought options. If you love experimenting with vegan and vegetarian recipes, be sure to check out our Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for more hearty soup ideas.
Let’s get started and bring the taste of fresh tomatoes to your pantry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This canning tomato soup recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity, flavor, and food preservation know-how. It’s perfect for home cooks who want to enjoy homemade soup without the hassle of preparing it every time.
The recipe balances acidity and seasoning to ensure safe canning, while the natural sweetness of tomatoes shines through.
Additionally, it’s versatile — you can tweak the herbs and spices based on your preference or what’s available in your kitchen. This recipe is also a great way to reduce food waste by preserving surplus garden tomatoes.
It pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals and makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
- 10 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum tomatoes work best)
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (to ensure proper acidity for canning)
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
Equipment
- Large stockpot or soup pot
- Blender or immersion blender
- Water bath canner (or large pot with rack)
- Quart-sized canning jars with lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Funnel (for filling jars)
- Ladle
- Clean kitchen towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash tomatoes thoroughly. Remove stems and cut into quarters. For a smoother soup, you can peel tomatoes by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to ice water to loosen skins.
- Cook the vegetables: In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Add the quartered tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend the soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If using a traditional blender, work in batches and be cautious with hot liquids.
- Season and add herbs: Stir in lemon juice, salt, sugar (if using), black pepper, basil, and parsley. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare jars and lids: While the soup simmers, sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them or running through a dishwasher cycle.
- Fill jars: Using a funnel and ladle, fill hot jars with hot soup, leaving 1-inch headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
- Seal jars: Place lids on jars and screw on rings fingertip-tight.
- Process jars: Place jars in a water bath canner with enough boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Process for 35 minutes at a rolling boil (adjust time if you live at higher altitudes).
- Cool and store: Remove jars carefully with a jar lifter and place on a towel. Let cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals before storing in a cool, dark place.
Tips & Variations
Always use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and acidity balance. Adding lemon juice is important for safe canning.
- For a creamier soup, add 1 cup of coconut milk or cashew cream before blending.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika during cooking.
- Try adding roasted red peppers or carrots for a sweeter, more complex flavor.
- If you want a chunkier soup, blend only half the batch or use a potato masher.
- For vegan cheese lovers, pair this with recipes like our Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 1 cup serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 3g (mostly from olive oil) |
| Sodium | 350mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium broth) |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 8g (naturally occurring from tomatoes) |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This tomato soup is delicious served warm with a variety of accompaniments. Try pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
It also works well as a base for more elaborate dishes. Add cooked rice or small pasta shapes for a filling meal, or top with a dollop of vegan sour cream or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Looking for more comforting vegan recipes? Check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for perfect sandwich ideas to complement your soup.
Conclusion
Canning your own tomato soup is a rewarding process that brings the vibrant taste of fresh tomatoes to your table even in the off-season. With simple ingredients and careful preparation, you can create a pantry staple that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
This recipe balances safety with taste, ensuring your soup stays delicious for months to come.
Whether you’re an experienced home canner or trying it for the first time, this guide walks you through everything you need to know. Plus, the flexibility to customize with herbs, spices, and creaminess lets you make it truly your own.
Don’t forget to explore other wholesome recipes like our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy and Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for more meal inspiration.
Happy canning and happy eating!
📖 Recipe Card: Canning Tomato Soup
Description: A classic homemade tomato soup perfect for canning and preserving. This recipe yields a rich, flavorful soup that can be enjoyed year-round.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 6 quart jars
Ingredients
- 10 lbs ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth, salt, sugar, and pepper; simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, basil, and parsley.
- Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
- Ladle hot soup into sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Process jars in a boiling water canner for 40 minutes.
- Remove jars and let cool completely before storing.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 18g
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