Why This Skill Matters in an Emergency or Survival Situation

Creating a pressure-canned Chicken Mexican Soup is a valuable skill in emergency or survival situations. This recipe provides a nutritious, shelf-stable meal that can be stored for long periods without refrigeration. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to include various ingredients based on what’s available, making it a reliable option for sustenance during times of scarcity or disaster.

What You Need

Materials

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 2 cups water

Tools

  • Pressure canner
  • Canning jars with lids and bands
  • Jar lifter
  • Ladle
  • Funnel
  • Bubble remover
  • Headspace remover
  • Kitchen timer
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large pot
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Knowledge

Understanding the principles of pressure canning is crucial. This includes knowing how to properly sterilize jars and lids, preparing the ingredients, and ensuring the correct processing time and pressure to achieve safe and shelf-stable canned goods.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and let it cool enough to handle. Shred the chicken and set aside.
  3. Prepare Soup Base: In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Optional Step: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup. Return to a simmer.
  6. Prepare Jars: While the soup simmers, prepare your jars. Place jars in a pot of boiling water to sterilize. Keep them hot until ready to fill.
  7. Fill Jars: Ladle the hot soup into the prepared jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe the rims clean. Place lids on jars and secure with bands.
  8. Process Jars: Place jars in the pressure canner and process according to your canner’s instructions. For a pressure canner, process pints for 95 minutes at 11 pounds pressure.
  9. Cool and Store: After processing, remove jars from the canner and let them cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Check seals and store properly.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Undercooking Chicken: Ensure chicken is fully cooked before adding to the soup to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Incorrect Pressure Settings: Always follow the pressure canner’s manual for accurate pressure settings to ensure safe canning.
  • Improper Sealing: Ensure jars are properly sealed to prevent spoilage. Check seals immediately after processing.
  • Overfilling Jars: Leave the correct headspace to allow for proper processing and sealing.

Variations, Tips, and Related Techniques

  • Add Vegetables: Include other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the spices to your taste. For a milder soup, reduce the cayenne pepper.
  • Thicken Soup: Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup if desired.
  • Pressure Canning Basics: Learn about different types of pressure canners and their operating principles. Understanding how to adjust for altitude is crucial for safe canning.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Include this recipe in your emergency food supplies. It’s a high-protein, calorie-dense meal that can be easily prepared and stored.

TLDR: Pressure-canned Chicken Mexican Soup provides a nutritious, long-lasting meal for emergency situations. Follow precise steps for safe canning and enjoy a versatile dish that can be adapted with available ingredients.

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