Easy Holiday Gift – Bean Soup Mix

I make and sell a lot of these at the holidays. They are a nice gift good for experienced cooks and inexperienced cooks alike. They each make a big pot of soup. Directions are on the back of the label. I package them in cellophane goodie bags I get at Pat Catan’s but you can also use pint jars. This is also a project kids can do, too.

Multi Bean Soup Mix

For 12 gifts you will need

1 case of pint canning jars. With lids and rings or 12 cellophane bags and ribbon

24 cups of assorted dry beans

Labels and directions

Herb packets

Get as many types of beans as you can find at the grocery store. When estimating how many bags you will need to get a 1 pound bag of most beans fills a pint jar with a little extra, however lentils and split peas under fill the same jar. I get 13 lbs. for good measure and if I have some left over I save it for the next batch or for home use. I’ve also found that it usually takes a couple of stores to find a decent assortment of beans. Look for a variety of colors and sizes. Some of the things I try to include are: black beans, large and small lima beans, navy beans, yellow and green split peas, pinto beans, cranberry beans, black-eyed peas, brown and red lentils and kidney beans.

Get a large bowl and add the beans. I usually have an empty jar and hand and measure as I go. Counting how many jars of beans I’ve placed in the bowl as I empty them into the jar and then empty the jar into the bowl. Measure a little generously, though. Small legumes tend to fill in spaces when several types are mixed and so 12 jars mysteriously become 11. It’s more of a general guide than a precise measure. Mix the beans well and scoop them into the jars, adding the lids as you go.

Now you have some pretty jars of beans, but not a soup mix. To complete the job, mix up a batch of herbs for the seasoning packets. You will need:

12 lollipop bags

12 labels

And

3/4 c. parsley flakes

1/2 c. dried diced onion

2 T. dried savory

1 T. dried oregano

1 T. dried marjoram

1 T. dried thyme

1 T. dried minced garlic

1 t. powdered bay leaf

You can adjust the herbs to taste or use what you have on hand. Other herbs or seasonings you could add would be basil, mint, chili powder, cumin or rosemary to name but a few. The blend recipe given is a mix of flavors I happen to like. Savory is sometimes called the “bean herb” because its flavor complements legumes. Thyme is also similar in flavor. Anyway, mix the herbs well and divide the mixture in the 12 bags. Use a couple of slightly rounded tablespoons per bag, depending on how powdered your herbs are. Fold over the labels and staple. Punch a hole in the corner of the label and affix to jar with stretchy loop or raffia or twine or even thin ribbon.

The labels

I make labels that are the same size as 2 business cards. On the front add your own graphic and on the back the directions for the soup. The print on the back will have to be small.

Directions to include with soup mix.

Rinse beans and pick over. Place beans in large kettle of cold water and bring to the boil. Boil 3 minutes and remove from the heat. Let stand 1 hour then drain and rinse beans. Return beans to pot and add enough water to cover and simmer until beans are tender, about 2-3 hours. Meanwhile in large pot in 2-T. oil sauté 1 large onion (chopped) until tender. Add beans with water and 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes. Add seasoning packet, water or broth if needed and salt and pepper to taste. Serves 6-8.