There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup. It’s a dish that transcends generations, from the simple can of soup enjoyed after school to the homemade variety passed down through family recipes. One such recipe that continues to stand the test of time is the Kerr Canning Tomato Soup. Whether you’re looking to savor a classic, preserve the season’s best tomatoes, or treat yourself to a comforting homemade meal, this soup delivers in flavor and satisfaction.
This particular recipe, steeped in tradition, offers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that come together in a perfect symphony. The process of making Kerr Canning Tomato Soup might take a little time, but the results are so worth it. So, let’s dive into this fantastic recipe, complete with all the details you need to get it just right, along with some extra tips to elevate the dish!
Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe
The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup recipe is one of those classics that you’ll want to make in big batches, especially if you’re looking to preserve the summer’s harvest. The beauty of this recipe is that it combines fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes with a few simple ingredients to create a soup that’s rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm you up on even the coldest of days.
What sets this recipe apart is the careful balance of tomatoes with onion, celery, and spices, allowing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes to shine while giving the soup a depth of flavor. With a bit of sugar to cut the acidity and a dash of cream for smoothness, you get a hearty, velvety bowl of tomato goodness.
Ingredients Needed
For this delicious tomato soup, here’s what you’ll need:
Fresh Ingredients
- Tomatoes (Roma or other meaty varieties): The star of the show. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes are essential for achieving a rich, well-rounded soup. You’ll need about 8-10 large tomatoes for a single batch.
- Onions (yellow or white): About 1 medium onion will do. It provides a savory depth of flavor that balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Celery stalks: 1-2 stalks. The celery adds a bit of freshness and subtle crunch.
- Carrots: Optional, but they bring a sweet undertone that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
Pantry Staples
- Sugar: A tablespoon or two helps cut through the acidity of the tomatoes, giving you a smoother, less tart flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, these are must-haves to bring out the natural flavors.
- Bay Leaves: One or two bay leaves add a slight herbal note that rounds out the soup’s profile.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and creating a savory base.
Dairy
- Heavy Cream or Whole Milk: A splash of cream or milk at the end creates that velvety, luxurious texture you want in a good tomato soup.
Vinegar (optional)
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A small splash of vinegar or lemon juice can add a touch of acidity that brightens the soup’s overall flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Making Kerr Canning Tomato Soup requires a bit of time, but the process is relatively simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this mouth-watering soup:
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Prep Your Tomatoes
- Start by blanching your tomatoes. Cut an “X” at the bottom of each tomato, then place them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds until the skins start to peel off. Transfer the tomatoes immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Peel and core the tomatoes, then chop them roughly.
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Cook The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, celery, and optional carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Simmer The Soup
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot along with a tablespoon of sugar, 1-2 bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Pour in enough water or vegetable broth to cover the vegetables (about 4 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-45 minutes.
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Blend The Soup
- Once the vegetables have softened and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency (smooth or chunky).
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Finish With Cream
- Stir in a half cup of heavy cream or whole milk. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to fully incorporate the cream.
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Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients you’re using can help you make the most out of this recipe:
- Tomatoes: The choice of tomato is crucial. Roma tomatoes are often used in sauces because they have fewer seeds and a denser flesh. This gives the soup a thicker, more substantial texture. The riper the tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful your soup will be.
- Onions and Celery: Both of these veggies form the classic “mirepoix” base for many soups and stews. They provide the foundational flavor, with onions adding sweetness and depth, while celery brings a slight herbal note.
- Sugar: Tomatoes can be very acidic, and the addition of sugar helps mellow this out, preventing the soup from being too sharp on the palate. It enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Bay Leaves: These leaves infuse a subtle, aromatic flavor into the soup. They should be removed before blending, as they’re tough and not meant to be eaten.
- Cream or Milk: Dairy smooths out the soup and adds richness. If you want a lighter version, you can skip the cream and use milk, or even coconut milk for a vegan twist.
Expert Tips
- Fresh Tomatoes vs. Canned: Fresh tomatoes will give you the best flavor, especially when in season, but if you’re craving this soup year-round, using high-quality canned tomatoes (preferably whole or crushed) will work in a pinch. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time when using canned.
- Straining: If you prefer a super smooth, velvety soup, you can strain the blended soup to remove any seeds or bits of skin that might remain.
- Freeze It: If you’ve made a big batch, this soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. When reheating, be sure to add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
- Spices: Add a pinch of dried thyme, basil, or oregano for an extra flavor boost. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of heat if you’re into spice.
Recipe Variations
The great thing about this Kerr Canning Tomato Soup recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can switch things up:
- Vegan Option: Skip the cream and substitute with coconut milk or a splash of olive oil for a lighter soup. You can also omit the dairy completely for a fully plant-based version.
- Smoky Tomato Soup: Add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to introduce a smoky depth to the soup. This adds an entirely new dimension of flavor that works beautifully with the tomatoes.
- Spicy Tomato Soup: If you like a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños or red chili flakes to the mix. A splash of hot sauce just before serving can give your soup a spicy kick.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: For an even richer flavor, roast the tomatoes and vegetables in the oven before blending. This caramelizes the sugars and brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes.
Final Words
Kerr Canning Tomato Soup is more than just a bowl of comfort food-it’s a taste of tradition, a recipe that brings together the goodness of fresh tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and the simplicity of a homemade meal. Whether you’re canning the soup for future enjoyment or serving it fresh, this recipe stands the test of time. It’s a wonderful, versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and preferences, from extra creaminess to a spicier twist.
FAQs
What Is The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe?
The Kerr canning tomato soup recipe involves combining fresh tomatoes with various vegetables, seasonings, and broth to create a flavorful soup that can be canned for long-term storage. It is designed to be preserved in jars using the canning process, which ensures its safety and shelf life for several months.
What Ingredients Are Needed For The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe?
The typical ingredients for the Kerr canning tomato soup recipe include fresh ripe tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and chicken or vegetable broth. Some variations may also include herbs like basil or thyme.
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead Of Fresh Tomatoes In The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes in place of fresh ones, but for the best flavor and texture, fresh, ripe tomatoes are recommended. If you use canned tomatoes, choose whole or crushed tomatoes without added salt or preservatives.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe?
Preparation time typically takes about 30-45 minutes, including chopping vegetables and simmering the soup. The canning process itself takes additional time, generally 30-45 minutes for processing in a water bath canner or pressure canner, depending on the method used.
What Is The Canning Process For Kerr Canning Tomato Soup?
The canning process involves cooking the soup, filling sterilized jars with the hot soup, and sealing the jars with lids. The jars are then processed in a boiling water bath or pressure canner to ensure they are sealed properly and free from harmful bacteria.
How Do I Ensure My Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Jars Seal Properly?
To ensure a proper seal, always check that the jar rims are clean before sealing, and use new, undamaged lids. Once the jars are processed, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid to make sure it does not pop back. If it does, refrigerate and consume the soup within a few days.
How Long Can Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Be Stored?
Properly canned tomato soup can be stored for up to 12-18 months in a cool, dark, and dry location. After that, the quality may begin to deteriorate, though it will still be safe to consume if the seal is intact and the soup looks and smells normal.
Can I Adjust The Seasonings In The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the seasonings in the recipe to suit your taste. However, it’s important to follow the recommended proportions of acid (lemon juice or vinegar) and other ingredients to ensure the soup is safe for canning. Altering the acidity may affect the safety of the canned soup.
Is It Necessary To Add Lemon Juice To The Kerr Canning Tomato Soup Recipe?
Yes, lemon juice or another acid is crucial for safely canning tomato-based products. The acid helps to balance the pH level and prevent bacterial growth, particularly botulism. Always use the amount specified in the recipe for safety.
Can I Use A Pressure Canner Instead Of A Water Bath Canner For Kerr Canning Tomato Soup?
Yes, a pressure canner is actually recommended for canning tomato soup to ensure it reaches the necessary temperature to kill any potential bacteria. Pressure canning is especially useful when canning low-acid foods like tomatoes, as it ensures a higher level of safety compared to water bath canning.