Are you looking for a unique and heartfelt gift idea that doesn't take hours to make? Consider this easy Lentil Soup Mix in a Jar.
With winter approaching, what better way to spread warmth and love than with a jar filled with layers of colorful lentils, split peas, barley, and fragrant spices?
This Soup-er easy and delicious Lentil Soup Mix is great to keep on hand for an easy dinner or to give as a gift that will be much appreciated.
I made this Lentil Soup Mix as a gift for my son's teacher for a few reasons:
- Other than water/stock no other ingredients need to be added.
- It cooks in under hour.
- Lentils are a good luck food if eaten on New Year's Day in Italy.
- I had lentils in the cupboard that I knew the guys wouldn't eat.
Another great thing about this soup mix is that is Vegetarian, Vegan, corn-free, sugar-free, low fat, low sodium, dairy-free and gluten-free (use gluten free pasta or brown rice) just in case you are dealing with any special diets in your gift giving.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive (shh, don't tell!):
- green or yellow split peas
- lentils, any color
- pearl barley
- small shaped pasta, like stars, orzo, pastina (or brown rice for gluten free)
- dehydrated onion flakes
- dehydrated celery flakes
- parsley flakes
- thyme
- white pepper
- salt (optional - omit for low sodium)
I like to use green split peas and orange/red lentils for holiday gifts because of the bright colors in the jar. Once the soup is made, though, most of the color moves to the broth. Use whatever color you like or have on hand.
Giving Soup Mix as a Gift
For gift giving, you will need a pint jar with a lid. I used a mason canning jar, but you can use any clean jar with a lid that holds about 2 cups. You can decorate it with fabric, ribbon, etc., to suit the occasion.
Print these instructions, cut out and glue to some card stock or construction paper and attach to the jar with a ribbon. Or cut and tape them directly on the jar.
More Gift Mix Recipes from #OurFamilyTable
When it comes to homemade gifts, a simple-to-make gift mix is thoughtful for the recipient and easy for you to make.
Homemade Gift Mixes
- Homemade Chinese Five Spice Powder from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Homemade Gingerbread Spice Mix from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Hot Cocoa Mix from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
- Italian Dressing Mix from Art of Natural Living
- White Hot Cocoa Mix from Creative Cynchronicity
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!
Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup green split peas
- ½ cup lentils
- ½ cup pearl barley
- ¼ cup star shaped pasta (or brown rice)
- 3 tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated celery flakes
- 2 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 pint jar with lid
Instructions
- Layer ingredients in the jar in order given.½ cup green split peas, ½ cup lentils, ½ cup pearl barley, ¼ cup star shaped pasta, 3 tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes, 1 tablespoon dehydrated celery flakes, 2 teaspoon parsley flakes, 1 ½ teaspoon thyme, ¼ teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon salt
- For gift giving include the following instructions: "Combine soup mix with 2 quarts of chicken, beef or vegetable broth and one cup cooked and chopped beef, chicken or ham (optional). Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until peas are tender. Add salt and pepper to taste."Click here for a printable label
Notes
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Until next time, happy eating!
~Audrey
Janmary, N Ireland
LOVE this idea - and love lentil soup (my go-to recipe is for bacon and red lentil soup)
It looks great, and healthy too!
Thanks for sharing - I will pin this too 🙂
Audrey
I sprinkled some chopped bacon on my second bowl yesterday 🙂 YUM!
Michelle
Oh my gosh.. I LOVE this recipe! Since I am a vegan I am always looking for a good, hearty recipe and this is it! Thanks so much for sharing it. #ibabloggers
Audrey
I really liked that this could fit so many different dietary restrictions and then the recipient could customize it
Jamie
This looks easy...and good!! I love that!! Pinned it!
Audrey
That's what I love about mixes in a jar for gifts, so easy yet still homemade and thoughtful.
Joanne T Ferguson
G'day I love lentil soup and can go for some right now!
Cheers! Joanne
#ibabloggers
Audrey
I don't cook with lentils enough. I may need to pick up another bag to make this again.
Rachel @ Bakerita
What a fun, unique gift, and that soup looks so delicious!
Jen
I am SO making these for teachers' presents this year! They are pretty, economical and who doesn't love a nice big pot of hearty soup in the dead of winter?
Jenna @ A Savory Feast
Lentil soup is perfect for a chilly night! I love the idea of making the mix ahead of time for a gift or just to save for when you need it. Thanks for sharing this idea with Hump Day Happenings.
Teresa (embracing the spectrum)
Wish I had seen this before today!! #ibabloggers
Anita Utami
I love the pictures. So pretty! I like the idea of giving jar gifts too. You can reuse the jar after you are done with the inside.
Roxanne
This looks yummy! Thanks for sharing at Pin-Worthy Wednesday. Pinned!
KC the Kitchen Chopper
I tell myself often to use more lentils. This is on my "to do" list! Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Social. Please come back Thursday as we celebrate the first day of 2015! 9:00 PM EST. Pinned. http://www.theKitchenChopper.com
KC the Kitchen Chopper
Hi Audrey, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to feature your lentil soup "to go" on The Weekend Social tomorrow, Thursday 9:00 PM EST. I think this is a great recipe to help many eat healthfully right from the beginning of the year. Please stop by link up again and check out your feature! http://www.theKitchenChopper.com
Carmody
I love, love, love lentil soup. I am pinning this recipe. Thanks for linking up to On Display Thursday!
Denise
What a great gift idea! Stopping by from #HomeMattersParty
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai
How sweet of you! Cookies always make a day go better. 🙂 Love the Lentil Soup Mix idea...and it's so easy too. Thanks for sharing and co-hosting at the #HomeMattersParty - we appreciate you! 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Nicole
I eat gluten free and just wanted to say I really like this idea! Unfortunately barley is not gluten free. Any suggestions for a replacement? Maybe rice instead?
Audrey
For gluten-free I would go with rice. You can use brown rice but you may need to cook it a bit longer.