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In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft and translucent.
Add the bell peppers and continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Add the chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and basil.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
4. Blend the Soup:
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot and bring it back to a simmer.
5. Prepare for Canning:
Sterilize the canning jars, lids, and bands by boiling them in a canning pot for at least 10 minutes.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to each jar. This step is crucial to ensure the acidity level is safe for canning.
6. Can the Soup:
Ladle the hot soup into the sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving about 1-inch headspace.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands to fingertip tightness.
7. Process the Jars:
Place the filled jars on the rack in the canning pot. Make sure they are completely submerged under water.
Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 40 minutes.
After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the water for another 5 minutes.
8. Cool and Store:
Carefully remove the jars from the pot using a jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool for 24 hours.
Check that the jars have sealed properly; the lids should not flex when pressed.
Store in a cool, dark place. The soup should be good for up to a year if canned properly.
Serving Suggestions:
Warm the soup on the stove when ready to eat. It’s delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or crusty bread for dipping.
This pepper and garlic winter soup is not only hearty and warming but also a delightful way to preserve the flavors of the season. Enjoy opening a jar on a cold day and relishing the taste of freshly made, homemade soup!
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