Can you can ham and bean soup for winter: the easiest way to preserve comfort food

Canning is an age-old technique that allows us to preserve the flavors of the harvest for months to come. One of the most popular canned goods is ham and bean soup, a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. But can you can ham and bean soup? The answer is a resounding yes! With a few simple steps, you can create your own delicious and nutritious canned ham and bean soup that will be ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you begin canning, it is important to gather all of your ingredients. For a basic ham and bean soup, you will need:

• 1 pound dried beans (such as navy beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans)
• 1 ham bone (with meat attached)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups chicken broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Beans

The first step in canning ham and bean soup is to prepare the beans. Rinse the beans in a colander and then pick over them to remove any stones or debris. Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.

Cooking the Soup

While the beans are cooking, you can begin cooking the soup. In a large soup pot, brown the ham bone over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Stir in the thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.

Add the beans to the soup pot along with the chicken broth or water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the soup has thickened. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Canning the Soup

Once the soup is finished cooking, it is time to can it. You will need to have clean canning jars and lids on hand. Sterilize the jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.

Ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and then screw on the lids.

Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 90 minutes. Once the jars have been processed, remove them from the water bath and let them cool for 12 hours. Check the seals on the jars to make sure they are airtight.

Storing the Soup

Your canned ham and bean soup can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once a jar is opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3 days.

Enjoying Your Canned Ham and Bean Soup

Canned ham and bean soup is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a dip. Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy your canned ham and bean soup:

• Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
• Add it to a grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• Use it as a base for a soup or stew.
• Puree it and use it as a dip for chips or vegetables.

Variations on Ham and Bean Soup

There are many different ways to make ham and bean soup. Here are a few variations on the basic recipe:

• Add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, corn, or peas.
• Use different types of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, or lima beans.
• Add cooked rice or pasta to the soup for a more filling meal.
• Season the soup with different herbs and spices, such as chili powder, cumin, or paprika.

Preserving the Harvest

Canning ham and bean soup is a great way to preserve the harvest and enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. With a few simple steps, you can create your own delicious and nutritious canned ham and bean soup that will be ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Popular Questions

1. How long does canned ham and bean soup last?

Canned ham and bean soup can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once a jar is opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3 days.

2. What are some other ways to use canned ham and bean soup?

Canned ham and bean soup can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• As a main course
• As a side dish
• As a dip
• As a base for a soup or stew

3. What are some variations on ham and bean soup?

There are many different ways to make ham and bean soup. Here are a few variations on the basic recipe:

• Add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, corn, or peas.
• Use different types of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, or lima beans.
• Add cooked rice or pasta to the soup for a more filling meal.
• Season the soup with different herbs and spices, such as chili powder, cumin, or paprika.