Tri-Color Lentil Soup Mix for Gift Giving
Layer this colorful soup mix in a decorated mason jar for a wholesome holiday gift idea!
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 60 minutes
WHAT YOU NEED:
4 tsp. chicken bouillon or vegetable bouillon granules
1 Tbsp. dried onions
2-3 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried minced garlic
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 cup brown lentils
1/4 cup green split peas
1/4 cup red lentils
1 - half pint (8 fl oz) jelly jar or mason jar with lid
Decorations (ribbons, bows etc)
Soup cooking instructions printed to attach to jar (see below)
ASSEMBLING THE SOUP MIX FOR GIFT GIVING:
In a small bowl, mix together bouillon granules, dried onions, oregano, dried garlic and pepper. Use a funnel to pour the bouillon-seasoning mixture into a clean dry mason jar with lid.
Add to the jar in order: brown lentils, green split peas, and red lentils. Tap the jar on the counter after each addition to level the ingredients before adding the next one. Fill the jar completely to the top, adding more red lentils as needed to fill. Screw on jar lid. Attach soup cooking instructions (SEE BELOW) to the jar with tape or a ribbon. Decorate jar as desired. Makes 1 half pint mason jar of soup mix. Recipe can easily be scaled up to make multiple jars for gift giving.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COOKING TRI-COLOR LENTIL SOUP MIX: In a large pot with a lid, add 5 cups water and contents one half pint jar of Soup Mix. Bring soup to a boil; then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 45 minutes, stir in one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes. Continue simmering uncovered for additional 15-20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Makes about 8 cups (1-1/2 quarts).
NUTRITION (PREPARED SOUP):
Nutrition Information per serving (about 1 cup): 90 Calories; 0 Total Fat; (0g Sat Fat; 0g Trans Fat); 0mg Chol; 560mg Sodium; 16g Total Carb; (4g Fiber; 2g Sugars); 5g Protein; 10% DV Iron
TIPS:
Variations: Add a handful or two of baby kale and/or spinach to the soup when adding the diced tomatoes. You can also stir in 1 lb. Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (add near the end of the simmering time).
Lower sodium bouillon and no added salt/unsalted canned diced tomatoes may be used in this recipe if desired. With both substitutions sodium content: 340 mg per serving.
To use individually wrapped bouillon cubes instead of granules, select the number of cubes that will make 5 cups of bouillon; attach wrapped bouillon cubes to outside of jar.
