Imagine a gift that's not just delicious, but tells a story of warmth and connection – the Friendship Soup Mix is exactly that! This incredible jar of carefully layered ingredients is more than just a meal; it's a culinary experience waiting to transform your kitchen into a haven of comfort and flavor. Perfect for gift-giving, meal prepping, or satisfying those cozy comfort food cravings, this soup mix promises a hearty, nutritious meal that comes together in just over an hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
- 1/4 cup beef bouillon granules
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Begin by carefully layering the dry ingredients in a clean, wide-mouth 1-quart mason jar in the following order: split peas at the bottom, then lentils, barley, dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, dried thyme, black pepper, and finally the bay leaf on top.
- Attach a decorative label to the jar with the cooking instructions and ingredients list.
- When ready to prepare the soup, remove the bay leaf and set aside.
- In a large soup pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles.
- Add the contents of the jar to the pot along with 8-10 cups of water or combined water and beef broth.
- Stir in 1 can (
- 5 oz) of diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Return the reserved bay leaf to the pot for additional flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check that the peas, lentils, and barley are tender and the soup has reached a thick, hearty consistency.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- • For the most robust flavor, use a combination of water and beef broth instead of plain water. • When layering ingredients in the jar, use a funnel to keep the layers neat and prevent spills. • Make sure to pack each layer firmly to create distinct, beautiful strata in the jar. • If gifting, include a cute recipe card with cooking instructions and a personal note. • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable bouillon. • The soup freezes beautifully – make a double batch and save some for later! • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the final presentation and add a burst of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
