Hearty Soup Mix
Submitted by Malea
Dry soup mix made with split peas, lentils, brown rice, pearl barley, and alphabet pasta. Combine once, store for months, and simmer into a thick, nourishing pot of soup anytime.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
0 minREADY
10 minSix pantry staples go into one big jar, and you’ve got a ready-to-go soup base that keeps for months. Split peas, lentils, brown rice, pearl barley, alphabet pasta, and dried onion give every bowl a different texture in each spoonful.
When soup night hits, scoop out some mix, add water, and let it simmer until the grains and legumes go tender. The split peas break down and thicken the broth naturally, so you get body without adding cream or flour. Toss in carrots, celery, shredded cabbage, tomato sauce, and vegetable juice cocktail during the last stretch of cooking for a loaded, chunky pot.
Ground beef or leftover cooked beef is optional but turns this into a full meal.
Pro Tips
- Shake before scooping: The heavier barley and rice settle to the bottom over time. Give the container a good shake so each batch has an even mix.
- Soak overnight for faster cooking: Soaking the mix in water the night before cuts the simmer time significantly.
- Gift jar idea: Layer the ingredients visibly in a clear mason jar with the cooking instructions on a tag. Makes a great homemade gift.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Spiced version: Add a few tablespoons of dried Italian seasoning or cumin to the dry mix for a pre-seasoned blend.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a large airtight container.
Stir to evenly distribute ingredients.
Label as Hearty Soup Mix.
Store in a cool, dry place and use within 6 months.
Shake well before using.
Makes about 12½ cups of mix.
Hearty Soup Stock: Put 6 cups of water and 1⅓ cups of mix in a large kettle or Dutch oven.
Add 12½ tablespoon salt.
Bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer 1 to 12½ hours.
Add 2 carrots, sliced, 1 or 2 stalks celery, chopped, 12½ cups cabbage, shredded, 2 (15 oz) cans of tomato sauce, 1 (24 oz) can vegetable juice cocktail, and if desired 1 lb lean cooked ground beef or leftover cooked beef.
Simmer 20 more minutes, until vegetables are cooked.
Comments
