If you want a cozy batch of Ball canning tomato soup with fresh tomatoes, start by simmering ripe tomatoes, onions, and garlic in olive oil, then season with salt and a touch of sugar. Blend until silky, add stock for body, and simmer to deepen flavor. This recipe keeps the bright, sun-warmed tomato notes and pantry ease. Canning guidance guarantees safe preservation for year-round warmth, and there’s more to perfecting your jars as you go.
Ingredients and Quantity
A simple, savory lineup awaits: ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, a splash of olive oil, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of salt and pepper.
You’ll grab fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and water or stock, plus optional cream or basil. For consistency, measure precisely: 6 cups fresh tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 2 cups liquid. If you’re canning, add lemon juice per guidelines and prep jars.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh tomatoes | 6 cups | Ripe, crushed |
| Onion | 1 | Diced |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Preparations
With the tomatoes prepped, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, and let the onions soften until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling. You’ll feel the kitchen awaken as garlic joins, releasing aroma that promises depth. Focus on preparation techniques that preserve brightness: don’t overcook, stir often, and keep a gentle simmer. As tomatoes join, you’ll notice their tangy perfume mingle with herbs and a pinch of salt, guiding you toward balance. Choose ingredient selection with intent: ripe, vibrant tomatoes, splash of olive oil, a whisper of sugar if needed, and a splash of broth for body. Skim foam when it rises, tasting as you go, so every layer of flavor feels intentional, clear, and unconfined by doubt.
Kitchen tools or Kitchenware Required
As you move from prepping ingredients to cooking, gather a few reliable tools that keep the process smooth and the flavors bright. You’ll want sturdy kitchen utensils and safe canning supplies that feel reassuring in your hands, guiding every simmer and swirl. A heavy pot, a wide immersion blender, and a long-handled spoon let you coax velvet textures without scorching. Jars and lids, plus a rack and tittering thermometer, guarantee safe processing. The right toolset turns the kitchen into a confident stage for your creativity, free from friction.
| Tools | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heavy pot, immersion blender | Even heat, smooth texture |
| Jars, lids, rack, thermometer | Safe, efficient canning |
How to Cook
- Heat a sturdy pot over medium flame.
- Add tomatoes, onions, and garlic, allowing their aroma to fill the kitchen.
- Add broth, a pinch of salt, and a splash of olive oil.
- Simmer until the tomatoes soften and the base becomes full-bodied.
- Stir steadily and adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Experiment with variations such as adding herbs, a touch of cream, or roasted peppers.
- Bloom aromatics first, then simmer.
- Blend the soup to your preferred texture.
- Taste and season deliberately.
- Create a flexible foundation that honors freshness without overcomplication.
How to Serve
Fresh from the pot, tomato soup begs to be ladled into warm bowls, steam curling up like a soft invitation. You sip, feeling the bright tang on your tongue, the tomatoes whispering of sunlit vines. For serving, keep it velvety and hot, with a gentle swirl of cream or olive oil to gloss the surface. Use crusty bread or sourdough for dipping, its crackle a satisfying counterpoint to smooth soup. Plate in shallow bowls so the aroma escapes toward you. Pairing ideas include a crisp herb salad, a drizzle of basil oil, or a scattering of grated cheese for a quick, comforting finish. Serving suggestions encourage balance: bold flavors, light textures, and a moment of savory freedom in every bite.
Tips
A few simple tips can elevate your tomato soup from good to great: simmer the tomatoes slowly to deepen sweetness, then blend until ultra-smooth for that velvety texture. You’ll taste clarity in each spoonful when you balance acidity with a whisper of sugar, and you’ll notice the aroma bloom as aromatics are added early. When you choose tomato varieties, pick ripe, sun-warmed fruits for depth, or mix tangy and sweet varieties for complexity. For canning techniques, keep lids clean and heat steady to seal freshness without bitterness. Don’t rush the strain—strain gently to preserve body. Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper, and let each simmer quiet your mind while the kitchen fills with comforting, freeing fragrance.
Food Value and Benefit
Tomato soup is not only comforting but also packed with valuable nutrients that support overall health and well-being.
Tomato soup nourishes both body and comfort with wholesome, heartwarming goodness
Food Value of Tomato Soup:
- Rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting steady energy levels.
- Contains essential vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.
- Provides important minerals including potassium, iron, and magnesium.
- High in antioxidants like lycopene, which help protect cells from damage.
Benefits of Eating Tomato Soup:
- Supports immune function and skin health due to its high Vitamin C content.
- Enhances vision and promotes healthy skin with Vitamin A.
- Helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels thanks to potassium.
- Aids in digestion and promotes gut health through dietary fiber.
- Contributes to cell protection and reduced inflammation with antioxidants.
- May improve mood and provide soothing effects due to its natural acidity and sweetness.
Enjoy a bowl of tomato soup for a nourishing, lightweight meal that supports your body and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Tomato Soup Last After Canning?
Shelf life is about a year when properly processed and stored in a cool, dark place. You’ll notice color and aroma fade over time. Canning tips and Storage guidelines keep flavors safe and your freedom to enjoy.
Can I Use Oven-Roasted Tomatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use oven-roasted tomatoes. You’ll notice richer, sweeter notes, savoring each spoonful as flavors intensify. Oven roasted benefits include deeper aromatics, and the flavor enhancement elevates the soup, empowering your kitchen freedom and creative improvisation.
Is Pressure Canning Necessary for Tomato Soup?
Pressure canning isn’t strictly necessary for tomato soup, but it enhances safety; remember, tomato safety matters. About 2.5 cups of produce per quart is common. Yes, pressure canning can protect your pantry and taste buds.
What Substitutes Work if I’M Out of Fresh Tomatoes?
If you’re out of fresh tomatoes, use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce to keep flavor vivid and bright, simmer until silky, mash for texture, and adjust sweetness and salt to taste, savor the freedom to improvise.
How Do I Adjust Texture for a Smoother Soup?
Smoothly, you blend until satin, then strain through a fine mesh to polish texture; choose blending techniques that savor your palate, and employ straining methods if you crave silken, free-flowing soup, with light, fearless, fragrant tomato memory.
