Preserving potatoes at home is a great way to capture their flavor and enjoy them throughout the year. Home-canned potatoes are delicious and easy to make, and they will make your meals so special. You can use them in soups, stews, or just as a simple side dish.
Why Make This Recipe
Canning potatoes at home means you can enjoy their taste no matter the season! It’s also a great way to save money and reduce waste. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have tasty, ready-to-use potatoes that you can pull from the pantry whenever you need them. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about knowing you canned them yourself.
How to Make Preserved Home-Canned Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds small to medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red potatoes)
- Water for boiling
- Salt (1 teaspoon per quart jar, optional)
Directions:
- Scrub the potatoes clean and peel them if you like. If they are small, you can can them whole.
- Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes if you are not canning them whole. This makes sure they cook and can evenly.
- Boil the potatoes for 10 minutes in water. This step is very important because it stops the enzymes and helps remove some starch.
- While the potatoes are boiling, get your canning jars and lids ready by sterilizing them in boiling water.
- Drain the potatoes and pack them into the hot, sterilized jars. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
- If you want, add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart jar, then fill the jar with boiling water, still keeping that 1-inch space.
- Remove the air bubbles by gently tapping the jars or using a non-metal spatula.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to get rid of any mess.
- Secure the lids and process the jars in a pressure canner at 10 pounds of pressure for 35 minutes for quarts or 30 minutes for pints.
- When the time is up, turn off the heat and let the canner cool down on its own.
- Carefully remove the jars and let them cool for 24 hours without touching them. Check the seals, label, and store them in a cool, dark place.
How to Serve Preserved Home-Canned Potatoes
When you are ready to serve your home-canned potatoes, you can simply heat them up on the stove or microwave. They make a perfect side dish or can be added to your favorite recipes like casseroles, soups, or salads.
How to Store Preserved Home-Canned Potatoes
Store your canned potatoes in a cool, dark place like the pantry or a cellar. Make sure the jars are sealed properly to keep them fresh.
Tips to Make Preserved Home-Canned Potatoes
- Choose good quality potatoes for the best flavor.
- Make sure your jars and lids are sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Label your jars with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
Variation
You can spice things up by adding herbs or spices to your jars before filling them with water. Try adding garlic, rosemary, or thyme to give your potatoes a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. How long do home-canned potatoes last?
Home-canned potatoes can last up to a year if stored properly in a cool, dark place.
2. Can I can other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use different varieties of potatoes, but waxy types like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes work best.
3. What can I do if my jars don’t seal?
If a jar doesn’t seal after processing, you can either refrigerate it and use it within a few days or reprocess the jar with a new lid.