Make a Vegetarian Soup Mix for Gift-Giving
Hortus Ltd./Mark Fonville
This Vegetarian 5 Bean Soup Mix is a healthy, easy, and cost-effective way to spread some holiday cheer. Just select a few bags of your favorite beans, create a seasoning packet, divide them up and decorate. This is another one that’s good for little helpers as well. The kids will love sorting the dry beans and filling up the jars. This recipes makes 4 jars, feel free to double and triple as needed.
Hortus Ltd./Mark Fonville
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. pinto beans
- 1 lb. split green peas
- 1 lb. great northern beans
- 1 lb. black beans
- 1 lb. kidney beans
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons dehydrated onions
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 bay leaves
- 4 vegetable bouillon cubes
Materials:
- 4 clean quart-sized Mason jars with lids and rings
- Parchment paper
- Decorative twine
- Fabric to cover top
- Paper for cooking instructions
Directions:
In each of the Mason jars, layer 2/3 cup of each bean, shaking gently after each layer to even out. Set jars aside.
In a small bowl, combine all spices except bay leaves and bouillon cubes.
On a 10-by-10-inch piece of parchment paper, spoon 3 tablespoons of the spice mixture in the center and top with 2 bay leaves and one bouillon cube. Fold paper around the spices to make a spice envelope and seal with tape.
Place spice envelope on top of the layered beans, cover with a square piece of decorative fabric and seal jar.
Decorate as desired. On a piece of cardstock or decorative paper, write:
Preparation directions:
Rinse beans and place in large stockpot, cover in 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, remove from heat and let soak for one hour. Drain and rinse. Return beans to the pot and add in spice envelope, one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for two hours until beans are tender and soup is thick. Remove bay leaves before serving.
