Canning potato soup: how to extend its shelf life and enjoy it year-round

Potato soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul on chilly evenings. While canned potato soup is a convenient option, nothing beats the flavor and satisfaction of homemade soup. Canning potato soup allows you to preserve this delicious dish for months, ensuring you have a warm and comforting meal on hand whenever you need it.

Benefits of Canning Potato Soup

• Preservation: Canning potato soup extends its shelf life significantly, allowing you to enjoy it for months to come.
• Convenience: Canned potato soup is easy to store and transport, making it perfect for camping trips, picnics, or quick meals on the go.
• Cost-effective: Canning potato soup in bulk can save you money compared to purchasing pre-made canned soup.
• Control over ingredients: Homemade canned potato soup allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking, ensuring it meets your dietary needs and preferences.

Essential Equipment for Canning Potato Soup

• Pressure canner
• Canning jars
• Lids and rings
• Jar lifter
• Canning funnel
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife

Ingredients for Canned Potato Soup

• 6 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Canning Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, celery, and carrots.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté until softened.

3. Add the Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the boiling mixture and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

6. Season the Soup: Add the salt and pepper to taste.

7. Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot potato soup into clean canning jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top. Use a canning funnel to prevent spills.

8. Wipe the Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soup residue.

9. Place the Lids and Rings: Place the lids and rings on the jars and tighten them finger-tight.

10. Process in the Pressure Canner: Follow your pressure canner‘s instructions for processing potato soup. Generally, process pints for 75 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure and quarts for 90 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure.

Storage and Shelf Life

Canned potato soup can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate the soup for up to 3 days.

Tips for Perfect Canned Potato Soup

• Use a variety of potatoes for a more complex flavor.
• Add other vegetables to your soup, such as peas, corn, or green beans.
• Season the soup to your taste.
• Allow the soup to cool slightly before canning to prevent jar breakage.
• Use a canning funnel to prevent spills when filling the jars.
• Process the soup according to the recommended time and pressure for your elevation.
• Store canned potato soup in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life.

Troubleshooting Canned Potato Soup

• Soup is too thick: Add more chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
• Soup is too thin: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir into the hot soup until thickened.
• Soup is bland: Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to taste.
• Soup is spoiled: Discard any soup that has a foul odor or taste, or if the jar is bulging or leaking.

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I use instant potatoes for canned potato soup?

No, instant potatoes are not recommended for canning as they do not have the same texture and consistency as fresh potatoes.

2. Can I add meat to my canned potato soup?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or bacon to your soup before canning.

3. How long can I store canned potato soup at room temperature?

Canned potato soup should not be stored at room temperature. It should be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

4. Can I freeze canned potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze canned potato soup for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator before serving.

5. What is the best way to reheat canned potato soup?

Canned potato soup can be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.