When hunger strikes and meal prep is nowhere in sight, turn to your pantry for a culinary rescue mission. Canned foods are the unsung heroes of the kitchen, offering a wealth of creative possibilities without sacrificing taste. From quick weeknight meals to outdoor adventures, these versatile ingredients will have you cooking up a storm in no time. Ditch the takeout menus and elevate your cooking skills with these delectable recipes that showcase the best canned foods.
Canning Chicken
Canning chicken is a straightforward and practical method for preserving poultry meat. To prepare, you’ll need to pressure cook the chicken until it’s tender, then remove the meat from the bones. Next, pack the chicken into jars, adding in some chicken stock for extra moisture. For added flavor, you can also include salt in the mixture. Once the jars are filled, they’re processed in a pressure canner according to jar size and processing time.
The end result is shelf-stable canned chicken that can be stored for up to 12 months.
Canned Beef Stew
This Canned Beef Stew recipe boasts a rich flavor profile and impressive versatility in preserving beef stew. The combination of seared beef, tomatoes, garlic, onions, carrots, potatoes, corn, and okra creates a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. To ensure optimal preservation, this recipe utilizes a pressure canner, making it possible to enjoy this delectable stew at any time.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a convenient option for meal prep, this Canned Beef Stew recipe checks all the boxes.
Canning Dried Beans
Canning dried beans is a hassle-free process that enables you to prepare a quick meal and maintain a steady supply of ready-to-use legumes. To ensure the safe storage of these nutritious staples for an extended period, follow this step-by-step guide on pressure canning dried beans. This method not only provides a foolproof means of preservation but also allows for creative customization through the addition of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients.
By adhering to precise processing times and PSI levels, you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade canned beans with complete confidence in their safety and quality.
Chili
When it comes to preserving homemade chili, canning is an excellent way to enjoy a quick and convenient meal at any time. This recipe allows for easy access to your homemade chili without the need to thaw frozen batches or cook from scratch every time you want to eat. The process involves partially cooking the beans, then pressure-canning the chili to ensure optimal preservation. It’s crucial to thoroughly read through the recipe and plan ahead to allow sufficient time for the canning process.
Be mindful of thickening agents and make sure to leave proper headspace in each jar. Additionally, adjust the pressure according to your elevation to guarantee a successful canning experience. With this method, you’ll have a delicious and ready-to-eat homemade chili option whenever you need it.
Apple Slices
These preserved apple slices boast an unparalleled combination of sweet flavors, crunchy texture, and the unmistakable essence of freshly picked fruit. Unlike store-bought alternatives that often yield to mush, these carefully crafted slices offer a perfect balance between tender and crisp, making them a joy to devour straight from the jar or incorporate into various dishes.
Their autumnal freshness is so pronounced that they rarely linger in our household before being devoured – a testament to their irresistible appeal for apple enthusiasts.
Diced Tomatoes
Preserving the Flavor: A Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Diced Tomatoes Canning diced tomatoes is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and shelf-stable product. The method involves first preparing the tomatoes by slicing them into bite-sized pieces, then packing the diced tomatoes tightly into sterilized jars, followed by adding a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Next, the jars are processed in a canner for 45 minutes to ensure proper sterilization and seal.
The recipe provides clear instructions on how to properly seal and store the jars, allowing you to enjoy your canned tomatoes at their peak flavor and freshness for months to come.
Black Beans
Black beans are an integral component of Mexican cuisine, offering a wealth of possibilities for creative cooking. By preserving your own black beans through the canning process, you can readily prepare quick and satisfying meals while maintaining control over the quality of your ingredients. These versatile legumes can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, including taco soup, enchiladas, rice, and even baked goods, making them an excellent addition to any pantry.
When stored in a cool, dark environment, canned black beans will remain fresh for up to five years, providing a reliable ingredient for future meals. Moreover, substituting home-canned black beans for store-bought cans is a seamless process that can be easily integrated into your favorite recipes. In summary, black beans are an essential staple for anyone who appreciates the rich flavors and diverse culinary possibilities of Mexican cuisine.
Butter
For those seeking to preserve creamy butter for long-term storage, the Butter recipe is an ideal solution. This pressure canning method offers a straightforward, step-by-step process to ensure safe and successful canning of homemade butter. The result is a convenient and fresh supply of homemade canned butter that’s perfect for enthusiasts and anyone looking to stock their pantry.
By following this easy-to-master recipe, you’ll be empowered to elevate your culinary experiences and enjoy the benefits of homemade, shelf-stable butter.
Home Canned Spaghetti Sauce
A rich and authentic Italian flavor awaits with this homemade Home Canned Spaghetti Sauce recipe, carefully crafted using fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, celery or green pepper, and mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil. The slow-cooked sauce is elevated by a blend of salt, black pepper, oregano, parsley, and sugar, resulting in a savory condiment that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or topping spaghetti squash.
By opting for this gluten-free and meatless sauce, you’ll be trading in the unwanted additives found in many store-bought options for a healthier alternative. Give it a try to experience the wholesome goodness of homemade canned spaghetti sauce.
Sliced Green Tomatoes
Savoring the essence of summertime throughout the year, Sliced Green Tomatoes prove to be an ideal solution. The canning process meticulously preserves the distinctive tartness and exceptional texture of fresh green tomatoes, rendering them an incredibly versatile ingredient for a multitude of dishes. Be it pickled and added to sandwiches, incorporated into chutney recipes, or served as a flavorful topping for homemade tomato pies, these canned delights are sure to delight.
A staple in any pantry, they’re a must-have for anyone seeking to inject a taste of sunshine into their culinary creations.
Homemade Salsa
With its perfect blend of flavors and customizable spice level, homemade salsa is a culinary gem that’s easy to make and enjoy. This recipe employs the tried-and-true water bath canning process, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create a deliciously fresh-tasting condiment by adjusting the amount of jalapeno peppers, you can tailor the heat level to suit your taste buds.
Whether you’re a salsa aficionado or just looking for a tasty addition to your meals, this homemade recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ham and Bean Soup
With its convenience and versatility, Ham and Bean Soup is an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal. By allowing for customization with various broth options and bean types, this recipe caters to individual tastes. The addition of vegetables not only enhances the flavor profile but also boosts the nutritional value. Moreover, the soup’s ability to be easily scaled up or down makes it an ideal solution for using up leftover ham.
Simply heat the soup in a pot, season to taste, and relish a warm and comforting meal that will leave you feeling full and content.
Dried Beans
With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and long-lasting supply of dried beans using this straightforward recipe. This recipe yields 9 pints or 7 quarts of canned beans, making it perfect for meal planning and prep. To start, the beans are soaked and boiled to prepare them for canning. For added flavor, a pinch of canning salt can be included in the process. Next, the beans are packed into jars along with hot cooking liquid, which is then processed in a pressure canner.
The result is a convenient and shelf-stable supply of canned beans that can be stored for up to a year.
Homemade Tomatoes and Green Chiles
Transform your homegrown bounty into a delectable canned treat with this versatile recipe for Homemade Tomatoes and Green Chiles By combining San Marzano and Amish Paste tomatoes, you’ll create a flavor profile that rivals store-bought Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chiles, but with the added freshness of knowing exactly what goes into your food.
The harmonious balance of tomatoes and green chili peppers ensures a safe pH level for water bath canning, making it perfect for preserving your garden’s bounty. With the option to customize using different types of green chili peppers, you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences. For added flexibility, simply omit salt or introduce new seasonings to create unique flavor combinations.
This recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking to capture the essence of their garden in a convenient and mouthwatering way.
Seasoned Tomato Sauce
Seasoned Tomato Sauce is a staple in many kitchens due to its exceptional flavor profile and remarkable versatility. This delectable canned sauce recipe boasts an impressive blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs and spices, making it an ideal accompaniment for pasta dishes, pizzas, and countless other culinary creations.
What sets this sauce apart is the comprehensive canning process outlined in the recipe, ensuring a prolonged shelf life that will keep your pantry well-stocked. The effortless preparation and luscious taste of Seasoned Tomato Sauce make it an indispensable addition to any kitchen arsenal.
Meat
Sourcing freshly harvested meat from hunting season allows for a nutritious and convenient way to preserve the bounty. The emphasis on natural diet and freedom highlights the health benefits of choosing wild-sourced meat over commercial options. This canning recipe, utilizing a pressure canner, provides a practical solution for those with limited freezer space, ensuring that the meat remains fresh for up to two years.
To prepare the meat for canning, it’s crucial to remove connective tissue and follow the author’s tips for optimal results.
Sweet Corn
Canning sweet corn is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort, yet yields a delicious and shelf-stable product. To begin, you’ll need to prepare the corn by cutting it off the cob and placing it into sterilized mason jars. Next, boil water and pour it over the corn, ensuring it’s completely covered. Finally, process the jars in a canner to seal them and create an airtight environment.
This method of preserving sweet corn is ideal for those who frequently incorporate it into their recipes throughout the year, as it frees up freezer space while maintaining the flavor and texture of freshly harvested corn.
