Friendship Soup Mix (with Pretty Printable)
Here’s a quick and easy gift you can make for neighbors and friends. I try to keep a few pints of this Friendship Soup Mix made up and ready this time of year, just in case I need a last-minute gift… or a good plan for dinner.
My daughter Abby helped me put these jars together. Simply layer the following ingredients in a jar. Feel free to adjust portions of split peas and lentils as needed to make the layers fit nicely, and save the pasta to go on top, wrapped in a bit of cellophane to keep it separate.
Friendship Soup in a Jar Mix
- 1 cup lentils
- ½ cup dry split peas
- ½ cup barley
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ½ cup beef granules
- ¼ cup white rice
- ½ cup tri-color pasta (separated in plastic wrap)
Once you pack the layers into your jars, print a sheet of these these pretty labels.
Next, cut the labels apart and fold them in half, punch a hole in the corner, and tie one to the neck of each jar of friendship soup mix before giving them away (or selling them at the next Christmas bazaar).
The labels provide easy directions for preparing the soup at home, with just a few staples to add on the day of cooking:
Add Following Ingredients when Ready to Cook:
- 1 lb ground beef
- black pepper & garlic powder to taste
- 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 small (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 quarts water
- 1 jar Friendship Soup mix (set pasta aside)
Directions for Preparing Soup
Remove pasta from top of jar and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the beef with pepper and garlic; drain excess fat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and soup mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 45 minutes. Stir in pasta. Simmer another 15-20 minutes, covered, until pasta, peas, and lentils are tender.
I first received a jar of this mix from a friend. It makes a delicious soup (with or without the added ground beef). I hope you and your friends will enjoy it as much as we did!
