Canned potato soup: a game-changer for your preppers stash

Potato soup is a classic comfort food that can warm you up on a cold day. But what if you could enjoy your favorite soup all year round? Canning potato soup is a great way to preserve this delicious dish and extend its shelf life. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about canning potato soup, including the benefits, step-by-step instructions, and safety precautions.

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 a year in a cool, dark place. This makes it a great option for long-term food storage.
• Convenience: Canned potato soup is easy to prepare. Simply open a can and heat it up, and you have a delicious meal ready in minutes.
• Portability: Canned potato soup is portable, making it a great option for camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities.
• Cost-effective: Canning potato soup is a cost-effective way to preserve food. You can buy potatoes and other ingredients in bulk and can them yourself for a fraction of the cost of buying canned soup from the store.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Canning Potato Soup

Canning potato soup is a simple process that can be completed in a few hours. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Gather your ingredients: You will need the following ingredients to can potato soup:

• 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2. Prepare the soup: In a large pot, combine the potatoes, onion, celery, carrots, chicken broth, milk, butter, flour, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Fill the jars: Ladle the hot soup into clean, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
4. Seal the jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and place the lids and rings on the jars. Tighten the rings securely.
5. Process the jars: Place the jars in a pressure canner and process them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For half-pint jars, process for 75 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure. For pint jars, process for 90 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.
6. Cool the jars: Once the processing time is complete, turn off the heat and let the canner cool down naturally. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Safety Precautions for Canning Potato Soup

It is important to follow all safety precautions when canning potato soup. Here are some tips:

• Use clean equipment: All of the equipment you use to can potato soup should be clean and sterilized. This includes the pots, jars, lids, and rings.
• Follow the instructions carefully: Be sure to follow the canning instructions carefully. Do not skip any steps or alter the recipe.
• Use a pressure canner: A pressure canner is essential for canning potato soup safely. A pressure canner creates a high-pressure environment that kills harmful bacteria.
• Store the jars properly: Canned potato soup should be stored in a cool, dark place. Do not store the jars in direct sunlight or near heat sources.

Troubleshooting Common Canning Problems

If you encounter any problems while canning potato soup, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• The soup is too thick: If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water.
• The soup is too thin: If the soup is too thin, you can add more potatoes or cornstarch.
• The jars did not seal properly: If the jars did not seal properly, you can reprocess them. Be sure to check the jars for any cracks or chips before reprocessing.
• The soup is spoiled: If the soup is spoiled, you should discard it. Do not eat spoiled food.

Other Tips for Canning Potato Soup

Here are some other tips for canning potato soup:

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will affect the quality of your canned soup.
• Use a variety of vegetables: You can add other vegetables to your potato soup, such as green beans, peas, or corn.
• Add seasonings to taste: You can add seasonings to your potato soup to taste. Some popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
• Can the soup in different sizes: You can can potato soup in different sizes of jars, such as half-pint jars, pint jars, or quart jars.

Creative Ways to Use Canned Potato Soup

Canned potato soup can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some creative ways to use canned potato soup:

• Potato soup casserole: Combine canned potato soup with cooked chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Bake until bubbly.
• Potato soup bread: Add canned potato soup to bread dough for a hearty and flavorful loaf of bread.
• Potato soup dumplings: Combine canned potato soup with mashed potatoes and flour to make dumplings. Cook the dumplings in boiling water until they float to the top.
• Potato soup pizza: Spread canned potato soup on a pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Recommendations: Preserve Your Comfort Food with Canned Potato Soup

Canning potato soup is a great way to preserve your favorite comfort food and enjoy it all year round. By following the step-by-step instructions and safety precautions, you can safely can potato soup at home. With a little effort, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to enjoy whenever you want.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Can I use a water bath canner to can potato soup?
No, you cannot use a water bath canner to can potato soup. A water bath canner does not create a high enough pressure to kill harmful bacteria. You must use a pressure canner to can potato soup safely.

2. How long does canned potato soup last?
Canned potato soup can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place.

3. Can I freeze canned potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze canned potato soup. However, the soup may lose some of its flavor and texture when frozen.