Soup in a bottle

Jar Soup: A Winter Delicacy from Your Garden

Jar soup is an ingenious recipe, perfect for having a portion of comfort food on hand during the cold winter days. This preservation technique allows you to enjoy the flavor of fresh garden vegetables even in the cold season. Ideal for evenings when you don’t have time to cook, this soup is quick to prepare and extremely versatile. Let’s explore together the necessary steps to obtain a delicious, aromatic soup, along with useful tips to customize your recipe.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 1 hour + 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Calories per serving: approximately 150 kcal (depending on ingredients)

Your ingredients for a delicious soup:

- 10 kg of well-ripened tomatoes
- 7 large onions
- 7 carrots
- 7 bell peppers
- 1 celery
- 1 parsnip
- 3 bunches of fresh parsley leaves (fresh is ideal)
- 1 bunch of celery leaves
- 1 bunch of lovage leaves
- 4 tablespoons of salt

A few details about the ingredients:

Tomatoes are the base of the soup, bringing pleasant acidity and vibrant color. Choose ripe, meaty tomatoes to achieve a rich broth. Onions, carrots, and bell peppers add sweetness and depth, while celery and parsnip provide extra flavor. Parsley and lovage leaves are essential for adding a touch of freshness.

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Start by washing the tomatoes and cutting them into large pieces. Use a juicer to extract the tomato juice, and you can finely chop or puree the pulp with a food processor for a smoother texture.

2. Boiling the broth: Pour the tomato juice into a large pot and add the pulp. Boil the mixture over medium heat, stirring periodically to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot, for about an hour.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel and finely chop the onion, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and parsnip. You can use a food processor to save time. Add these vegetables to the pot and continue boiling the mixture for another 10-15 minutes.

4. Adding the herbs: When the vegetables are well cooked, add the salt and finely chopped parsley, celery, and lovage leaves. These will give the soup an unmistakable flavor.

5. Bottling: Work quickly to pour the hot soup into sterilized jars or plastic bottles. Make sure the containers are pre-warmed to prevent deformation. Seal the jars and wrap them in blankets to cool gradually, ensuring they seal well.

6. Serving: When winter makes its presence felt, you can quickly prepare a delicious soup. Simply add a jar of soup to boiling water, add a little oil, and if desired, some pasta or rice for added substance.

Variations and useful tips:

- You can add other vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini or leeks, to vary the recipe according to your preferences.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a little chili pepper or spices like pepper or paprika.
- Replace salt with sea salt for a more intense flavor.

Tricks for a perfect result:

- Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
- Use appropriately sized jars to avoid waste. A 500 ml jar is ideal for one serving of soup.
- The soup can be stored for several months in the pantry, but make sure the jars are well sealed and airtight.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but the soup will have a slightly different texture. It is recommended to thaw them before adding.

2. How can I make the soup thicker?
By adding some root vegetables or beans, you can increase the soup's consistency.

3. What drinks pair well with this soup?
A vegetable soup pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a cold lemonade, which will add freshness to the meal.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to get cooking! Jar soup is not just a recipe, but also a way to bring a touch of summer into every winter. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, each serving will be full of flavor and beautiful memories. Enjoy your meal!