Friendship Soup Mix In A Jar
Don’t we all have a friend we want to send a little “thank you” to? Back in the day, it was quite common for women to share recipes and food gifts. Let’s bring that back! This Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar is a great gift for someone you love or are concerned about. It’s also an easy way for your family to enjoy soup. Let’s get to making this soup mix in a jar and you’re going to see how easy it truly is! My friend, Janet (a reader), held my hand and walked me through how to use lentils by sending me detailed text messages. I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
I’m updating my soup mixes in jars, there are so many food shortages we must be prepared now more than ever before.
Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar is the Perfect Gift!
My friendship soup mix in a jar is a healthy, wholesome meal everyone will enjoy, and it’s easy to prepare. Add some bread, biscuits, or crackers, and dinner is ready in no time. I have some tags for you to print if you wish to give them as gifts, they tell you how to prepare the soup. One of the things I really like about this soup-in-a-jar approach is the beautiful presentation. All the colors make it truly look like a fancy cherished gift, which it is.
The recipe will be printable below as well. You can make these in pint wide-mouth jars or quart wide-mouth jars. This recipe is for the 32-ounce wide-mouth quart mason jars. But you could cut the recipe in half for the wide-mouth pint mason jars.
Ingredients for Making The Gift Jar:
- Dried green split peas: The mature green peas are peeled, split, and then dried. The split pea doesn’t need to be soaked before cooking.
- Dried lentils: A legume, the seed of the lentil plant. Lentils are never eaten fresh, only as a dried product.
- Pearl barley: Used to bulk up soups. A very healthy grain! It has twice the amount of fiber and calcium as brown rice.
- Beef bouillon granules or beef bouillon cubes: A highly concentrated cube or granule made of beef stock, spices, herbs, and vegetables.
- Dried/Minced Onion: When dried, onions take on a richer flavor than regular onions. Perfect for soups since it adds a kick of sweet onion flavor!
- Uncooked white rice: Jasmine, basmati, and long-grain rice are the most popular. It has a mild flavor and is light and fluffy when cooked.
- Uncooked small pasta (I used Ditalini): A range of small pasta, such as ditalini, uncooked alphabet pasta, or macaroni.
- Italian Seasoning: A spice blend of ground herbs such as basil, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, sage, thyme, or coriander.
- Bay Leaf: A very aromatic leaf, that when infused with a liquid, gives off a subtle minty flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: They help to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients in the soup.
- Water or beef broth: Used to cook dry ingredients and seasonings.
- Optional additional ingredients to add after the soup has cooked: one pound of ground beef cooked (drain excess fat from cooking), one 14-15-ounce can of diced tomatoes – undrained, and one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Filling the Jars:
Grab a wide-mouth quart (32-ounce) mason jar to layer the dry ingredients above. First of all, put the pasta in a baggie as stated. Place the seasonings in a small bag so you can place them under the lid after filling the jars with the other ingredients. Start with the minced onions, the green split peas, dried barley, lentils, and rice, and end with pasta on top of the bag. You will need a Funnel to fill the jars with the dry ingredients, trust me.
The seasoning bag will go on top of the pasta bag. These are so fun to make, my friends! These would make great gifts to take to someone who is sick, having surgery, or just having a bad day, the list is endless. Seasoning Bags I used. I bought the 3.5” x 5.5” size bags. You may want some Twine for the printable gift tag(s), or create a printable label.
What the Soup Looks Like When Made!
Step One: Pour the Dry Ingredients and Seasonings into a Soup Pot
After opening the jar, remove the bag of pasta and set it aside. Grab a soup or other large pot and pour the dried soup ingredients into the pot, and add the seasonings.
Step Two: Add Water and Bring to a Boil
Add 3 quarts of water and bring it to a boil. Cover and let the soup simmer for 50-60 minutes.
Step Three: Remove Bay Leaves and Add Pasta.
Remove the bay leaves and add the pasta and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta and grains are tender. Salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Friendship Soup Mix In A Jar
Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar Recipe
- 1 cup dried green split peas
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 1/3 cup beef bouillon granules or 1-2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup uncooked small pasta. I used Ditalini (place in a small plastic bag so it's easy to remove from the jar).
- 3 quarts of water (when ready to make soup)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
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Grab a quart (32-ounce) mason jar to layer the ingredients above. First of all, put the pasta in a small plastic bag as stated. Place the seasonings in a small bag so you can place them under the lid after filling the jars with the other ingredients. Start with the minced onions, the green split peas, dried barley, lentils, rice, ending with pasta on top in the bag. The seasoning bag will go on top of the pasta bag.
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After opening the jar, remove the bag of pasta and set it aside. Grab a soup pot and pour the dried soup ingredients into the pot, add the seasonings. Add 3 quarts water and bring it to a boil. Cover and let the soup simmer for 50-60 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and add the pasta and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta and grains are tender. Salt and pepper to taste.
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You may want to add the pre-cooked meat and tomato products when you add the pasta. One pound cooked ground beef, one 14-15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, and one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What can I serve with this soup?
- Homemade Biscuit Recipe
- 2-Ingredient Biscuit Recipe
- Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Homemade Cracker Recipe
What kind of jars can I use to make the friendship soup mix in a jar?
I prefer wide-mouth mason jars. It’s challenging, they are so hard to get in the stores right now, but the prices will come back down over time. Be sure and check out garage sales and thrift stores for these jars. So many people have stocked up on canning supplies, but they may never use them. Hopefully, they will sell them or give them to a neighbor.
The suppliers know there is a need for them, so watch for jars in the spring. One thing that really helps while filling the jars is a funnel. This one fits on regular and wide-mouth jars. Canning Funnel
Do I need to use a FoodSaver to seal the jars for the friendship soup recipe?
The FoodSaver removes the air from the food, which is critical to keep it safe for one year. I put the seasonings in bags inside the jars so the powder from the seasoning doesn’t ruin my FoodSaver hose.
Do I need to use oxygen absorbers in my jars?
You can if you want to, I don’t. Based on my Master Canning and Preserver classes, the food is good for one year. I don’t have the equipment to extend the shelf life. One year works for me.
Can I store my Soup Mix in a Jar Mixes in Bags?
Yes, you can, but be aware that some of the pasta or dehydrated vegetables may pierce the bags. I never use bags because I worry about mice or critters contaminating my food. I only use jars.
Is there a Gluten-Free Noodle option that would work?
Yes, a reader mentioned she uses Sam Mills Gluten Free Corn Pasta Lasagna Corte. Yay, for another option for our GF friends! Gluten-Free Pasta
What is the shelf-life of my Soup Mix in a Jar Recipes?
As you know, Mark and I took classes to be Certified Master Canner and Preservers even though we had been canning, dehydrating, and pressure canning foods for over 50 years together. I lived in Logan, Utah, and bought a Ball Canning book back in 1970 and drove to the Utah State Extension Service to have my equipment tested (pressure canning gauge and seal).
Shelf Life of One Year
The reason I feel strongly about mentioning this is because I learned the food we can at home generally has a shelf-life of one year. If we dehydrate food at home the shelf-life is one year. Let me be real here, I have eaten my own canned peaches that were 3-4 years old.
I get it, I’m sure you have too! I’m just telling you what I learned. If you think about it, if we grow a garden or go to a Farmer’s Market to get fresh fruits and vegetables, one year should be fine for a normal shelf-life.
We Can Do This, My Friends!
Grow food, and preserve it by canning or dehydrating it. Each year we start all over again. We can do this, my friends. The reason I want to make soup mix in a jar is that I saw what happened after disasters in many states. These jars would make great gifts, and easy dinners at the last minute. They are perfect during a disaster by just adding boiling water to feed the family.
It’s critical you have a way to boil water, cook a meal, or make a pot of soup after a disaster. Please get a Butane Stove and Extra Canisters. The perfect pan for a butane stove is one that is a 4-quart Saucepan. Why? Because you don’t want the pan hanging over the burner on your Butane Stove. It’s all about safety.
My Soup Mix in a Jar Series
Final Word
The next time you want to cook in the kitchen but aren’t sure WHAT TO MAKE, these Friendship Soup Mix in Jar options are fantastic for gifting, especially during the holiday seasons, and keeping around your own home for a quick meal solution. Canning is an important skill, and I feel as though these soup mix jars are a great alternative to traditional canning. Plus, you are going to have TONS of delicious soup to eat later. Happy soup-making, my friends! May God Bless this world, Linda.
I love a good soup and how sweet that this can be given as a gift as well. Thank you for this colorful and delicious recipe.
Hi Tiffany, thank you for your kind words. I love sharing items I make with friends and family. Linda
Thank you for the recipe. Can the white rice be instant?
Hi Sherry, yes, you could use instant rice but it will cook faster and may not result in the same consistency as regular rice. But I would try it! Linda
Hi Sherry, yes you can use instant rice although it may have a different consistency because it will cook faster. But it will still taste great! Linda
Tiffany,
For the optional add-ins, when would they be added? Loving this recipe for future use – and I would like to make some jars to ‘gift’ those in need as well.
Deb
Hi Deb, they would be added when you make the soup. I made it without adding the add-ins. You can use any leftover meat of make it as is. Linda
Hi Deb, oh, when do you add the add-ons? Because it is a dry soup mix, you will make the soup, and the add-ons when you finish cooking the soup. Simmer a few minutes. I better go add that to the recipe. Thank you, Linda
Hi Deb, I just added this to the recipe printout. **You may want to add the pre-cooked meat and tomato products when you add the pasta to the pot of soup. Linda
Linda ,
Thank you for the information. I thought it might have been them, but I wanted to confirm.
Going to try this recipe this weekend! Will let you know how it goes!
Hi Deb, it would be great with leftover ham as well. I love soup! Linda
I can’t wait to make some of this. It sounds so yummy!
Hi Deborah, I’m starting a series of these. I’m so excited, you should see my kitchen table! LOL! Life is good when we can make soup! Linda
I am glad to hear you are making a series of these. I think this would be something I could wrap my mind around for presents. Thanks!
Hi Janette, my goal is to make one a week, you should see my kitchen table, I pulled stuff from my pantry and I’m lining them up ready to make. LOL! It has to be easy for all of us to make them. I have my “Printable” girl ready to make my tags. Life is good if we can make someone happy with a jar of soup mix. Linda
Linda, this is a great gifting idea and the soup recipe looks delicious. Do you put the bouillon granules in a baggie as well? I’d probably add the optional ground beef and tomatoes. Do you drain the canned tomatoes before adding them?
Oh, and I’ve eaten chicken I canned that was four years old with no noticeable decrease in flavor and no ill effects at all. Normally I go through my self-canned goods in at most two years but sometimes I mess up when it comes to rotating my supplies so that the oldest is most easily available.
Hi Ray, my next batch of soup I’m going to add some leftover ham to it. I would not drain the tomatoes, the soup is pretty thick being it has barley and lentils. Mark loves some meat in everything, so I totally understand!! LOL! If you have granules, put them in the bag as well. I used those little squares in mine. I’m starting a series of soup mixes, the economy is going to get worse, how much I don’t have a crystal ball, but you know what I’m talking about. Soup fills the belly. Stay safe, Linda
I thought Deb might be asking exactly WHEN to add the optional add ins While cooking… Do you add them into the dry soup at the same time you add the water? Or do you wait and add them later when you add the pasta? Etc. Thanks.
Hi AppyHorsey, I would cook the soup, and then add the meat and tomatoes. Simmer for a few minutes. I better add that to the recipe, thank you, Linda
If my family is not fans of barley, what would you recommend as a substitute? Chickpeas or black eyed peas perhaps?
Hi Sharon, both of those would be great. I don’t recommend brown rice, because it does not have as long a shelf-life. So, I would try those. LInda
Hi AppyHorsey, I just added this to the printable recipe: You may want to add the pre-cooked meat and tomato products when you add the pasta to the pot of soup. Thanks for pointing that out. Linda
Linda, thank you!! This is a great idea for an Easter gift alternative that isn’t sweet.
Hi Janet, thank you, that it is a good idea! Who wouldn’t love a jar of soup to make later for Easter!! Great idea! Linda
I cannot get pearl barley in my town. Could I increase the rice or pasta instead? Also want to verify if I use bouillion cubes, it’s only two? Can’t find the granules here either.
Hi Sheri, 1/3 cup beef granules or 1-2 beef bouillon cubes. Yes, you could increase the rice or pasta. The recipe is so versatile. I just looked on Walmart.com and they have the pearl barley. Linda
Several years ago I made survival soup and gave it to my family at Christmas, along with the other canned goods that I normally give them. It’s fun putting soups in jars – especially when you see the reaction when you give it to someone!
I have a question about the last statement in the instructions for the cooking of the soup. It mentions to continue cooking until the pasta and beans are done. My question is about the beans – I don’t see beans as one of the ingredients.
Hi Kathie, I’m glad you asked this. I just changed the recipe to “grains” instead of beans. I had one hour to get my “proof” to the girl that makes my printables in order to get it in time for this post to go live. I thought to myself, should I put beans, seeds, or grains. Lentils are grouped with beans, but barley is a grain. I can’t change the printable but the recipe card is changed. Crazy explanation, but life is crazy at my house. Linda
HI Linda, Thanks for this post. I’ve made dry soup mixes for self use and gifts for many years. Always looking for new recipes. One of the ingredients that I add in is dried mixed veggies. I usually buy them in bulk from an online spice company, that I can’t remember the name of at the moment. I used to send them to my so in plastic baggies also.
This year, I’m going to package soup mixes in mylar bags with O2 absorbers for longer term storage. To prevent poking through the bag, I usually package the ingredients in a plastic freezer bag, then wrap that in a paper towel, then put the whole thing into a mylar bag. By the way, the cheapest way to use mylar bags, is to order the biggest ones they have, then cut that into the size bags that you need.
I wanted to add a comment about O2 Absorbers; I’ve discovered that it is much better to use a “higher number” absorber rather than a “100” all the time for everything. Many years ago, I went with a friend to a Mormon warehouse (I know that’s not the proper term for it, sorry) multiple times to purchase canned items. On my first trip I purchased 12 #10 cans of APFlour. They suggested using a 100 O2 absorber. I just opened a can for the first time and it is rancid. Now, I’ll have to throw it all away. My last purchase of O2 absorbers was for #300. I think that’s what I’ll use for everything in the future.
Just wanted to share that info for what its worth.
I agree with you about the high cost of groceries getting worse in the future. I’m afraid that our “salad days” with fresh ingredients may come to an end, except for when I can grow and harvest my own from my garden.
I’ve rambled on long enough. Take care of your self and stay safe.
Suzanne
Hi Suzanne, I spent $1200 at the Mormon warehouse up north dry canning center. It was all rancid after opening it one year later. I cannot recommend that company. The people who run it are volunteers but the bad thing is it was my first and last time to ever dry can stuff there. It has since been closed to people “dry canning” their products. I read somewhere where the church did not want to comply with the health department regulations. They still sell products but I can’t risk losing my money. They handed me open 02 absorbers, I had no clue. Then I took two classes on how to use them. I bought three bags of veggies for my soup mix series! Great minds think alike!! I have planted more vegetables this year because the prices are out of sight right now. I love your comment, it’s not rambling to me!! Linda
What a fun idea! I love this! Thank you sooo much for the recipe and the step by step instructions!❤️
Hi Camille, I’m worried about the cost of groceries going up, I think we will all be eating soup very soon! I’m glad you like them! Linda
Looks very good, Linda!
I have been making mixes like this for years. Since I am single, when I make these sorts of meals in a jar, I make those I keep in pint jars instead of quarts. For those I give away, I do a mix of quarts and pints since some of my “gifts” will go to singles as well as couples. I have made some in 1/2 gallon jars as well for larger families.
Hi Leanne, oh my gosh, the half-gallon jars would be awesome for large families!!! I’m going to make some in pints as well. I’ve made brownie mix ones and cookie mixes, but now I’m going to put my soups in my repertoire!! I feel an urgency to teach people to make soup and hopefully sourdough bread, biscuit, or crackers. My mind never stops, LOL! They are really fun. I’m not going to open my #10 cans of chicken to make, those cans are so expensive now, they’re like GOLD! Some are over $90.00 on one can! That’s ridiculous! I will be a vegetarian before I pay those prices. I better get off my soapbox! Linda
Linda, I agree – I’ll become a vegetarian before I will pay the price that is being asked for FD meats. For that matter, I am almost there even with the prices of fresh meats at the grocery stores!
What size bouillon cubes? At the store there are some that say to mix with one cup water and some that say to mix with two cups water. I want to make sure there is enough flavor but I don’t want to overdo it. Thanks!
Hi Kristy, I would start with one cube, you can always add more. OR you could add more water. Linda
Hi Linda. I also would like to know what size bouillon cubes that YOU USE ? In researching I found that 1 bouillon cube is equal to 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules, in the recipe you call for 1/3 cup of bouillon granules, that would be 16 teaspoons ??? Help, I’m so confused (confession… that’s my normal state anymore lol) Thanks a bunch ❣
Hi Comiksitran, these are the ones I remember using. You will have to adjust to your taste buds. They are so fun to make. Linda
Cubes: https://amzn.to/4aYWvmi Powder: https://amzn.to/4aYWNJU
Ohmygoodness we LOVE meals in a jar ideas, thank you so much! Please share more of these with us. 🙂
I used to watch all of Chef Tess’s meals in a jar videos.
Hi Amy, you are so nice, I’m working on trying to get one soup mix each week done. If we can make soup and bread we can survive most anything. Yes, we can! Linda
You’re so right about that Linda! Yes we can indeed! Thank you
Is the above shown recipe for jar? I want to multiples for a gift exchange and want to eliminate multiple trips to the store lol. Thanks
Hi Kimberly, great question! The recipe (the ingredients) is for one jar. I bought several bags and lined them up to fill each jar. I totally understand not wanting to go to the store multiple times. Great gift for friends and family. Linda
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN, Linda, for giving us all ideas for prepping and stocking up so easy and so health-filled! I have not tried any of these “soup in a jar” recipes yet, but I am very excited about them!! We have to do gluten free in our house, so for the chicken noodle soup, I plan to use Sam Mills “Lasagna Corte” noodles, which are made in Europe from Non-GMO corn! They are shaped a bit like small, short lasagna noodles or wavy egg noodles. Some of these soup jars will be sent to FL to my sister who has minimal food stocked up, due to being a widow with a disabled daughter, whose medical needs keep them church-mouse poor! She will undoubtedly receive a few of my homemade freeze-dried foods, as well.
One note about canning jars and lids: You can find them easily at any Tractor Supply, Runnings or any AMISH-run store! Earlier in the season, you can also buy Golden Harvest canning jars at Dollar Tree stores, I believe. Whenever I need something for canning that is nearly impossible to find, I head to the local Amish and Mennonite stores, cause supplies for canning and baking are always part of their lifestyle. They don’t allow their stores to run out!!
I also found some lovely-looking concentrated organic bone broth “cups” on Amazon to add instead of bouillon cubes, because we cannot use Autolyzed Yeast Extract in our family…let alone that Aut.Yeast Extract is another form of MSG, and dangerous to brain health. BTW, they are expensive, but supposed to last at least one year on the shelf: https://amzn.to/3Cf3HKo They also come in Chicken and Vegetable varieties. I am going to make your soup in a jar recipes and use these bone broth “cups” in them, add my own organic spices and dried veggies, then add my pressure-canned meats that I have on our storage pantry. Also, you can buy small spice-packet size mylar bags like you linked to (but they are unavailable now), on amazon as a replacement for the ones in your link: https://amzn.to/3MovAEE
ONE MORE THING: When you make up your spice mixes, feel free to add some dried “Nettles” to the spIces. I buy organic Nettles from Frontier Herbs company, and they are dried so do not sting you. Nettles is a superfood herb that is LOADED vitamins and minerals!! Healthline says: Stinging nettle offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, polyphenols and pigments — many of which also act as antioxidants inside your body. Also good for inflammation. 🙂 Stinging
nettle’s other potential health benefits include lessened bleeding, boosted liver health and wound healing, good for HBP, too! Find the plethora of other benefits here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stinging-nettle A great “greens” addition to any soup to keep you healthy in a crisis!!
I hope these links and other info. will help someone!! BEST to you ALL!!
JOYCE STOTTS, CERTIFIED NATURAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL since 2006
Newark, New York
Hi Joyce, oh my gosh, thank you for your tips on making my Soup Mixes in a Jar! I am going to post these noodles, I love hearing they make these! https://amzn.to/3CLk9TZ. I love soup and this product will help so many people with gluten issues!! Thank you so much! Linda
Linda: Always happy to help others who have had to learn to travel this gluten-free, egg-free, toxin free lifestyle! I hope all that extra info. in that long post will be of some help to others. At our home, we specialize in alternative medicine, alternative foods/cooking, alternative sources for food and equipment, etc. and are very pleased to do so!
My other most valuable tip for anyone is to stock up on Oscillococcinum from Boiron (30 pack is best) for influenza and colds, as well as Young Living’s R.C. oil blend. Just yesterday, I started sneezing in the middle of church (!) and could not stop!!! OMGOSH!! So, I asked my husband did he have any oscillococcinum in the van (in his supplement/emergency supplies baggie. He ran out to the van, brought me the one, single vial he had, and I put the little sugar pillules under my tongue. Within 1-2 mins., the sneezing stopped, as did the start of a drippy nose and all symptoms of the virus LEFT ME!! When we got home after shopping yesterday, I took another 2 vials throughout the evening. NO VIRAL SYMPTOMS REMAINED WHATSOEVER. Just to be sure, the R.C. Oil was used on the glands under my chin/near throat, and I slept like a baby with no cold/virus symptoms returning overnight, either. OH, YEAH!! LOVE THOSE NATURAL MEDICINES!!!
Hi Jess, oh this is so awesome to hear!! I love this! Linda
Hi Jess/Joyce, I forgot to thank you for the 5 stars, my friend!! Linda
Welcome! I just asked for your book on preparedness for Christmas, too, Linda! Joyce S.
Hi Joyce, thank you, my friend, I really appreciate it! Linda
This would also be a great soup to keep in your pantry for times when you don’t have the money for groceries. Making up about 10 boxes of quart canning jars would should last a while and with the Chicken soup recipe you would have soup for several years. You could share with people at church or at the food bank (If they accepted it) and plenty of people would have a good meal.
I printed out the chicken soup recipe and this recipe for my daughter in love. I gave her a small crock pot and I think she would be able to use that to make either soup in it for my son and herself when it is too cold to come the short distance from their trailer to our house and they can have a hearty meal in their little nest.
Looking forward to getting all your soup in a mix recipes. I will make a dozen quarts of each one and use them for times when I don’t want to cook.
Hi Jackie, you ar so cute, life is good when you see those jars lined up in the pantry ready to make a pot of soup! Love it! Linda
Hi Jackie, thank you for the 5 stars, my sweet friend. They are great for storage and great for gifts. The food bank will not take homemade items in our area, so I wouldn’t plan on that. These are great to share with others for sure that we know at church. Linda
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!
Hi Hazel, thank you for the 5 stars, my sweet friend! I love soup! Linda
What type of bag did you put the 1/2 cup of uncooked pasta in for the Jar. I am trying to use this idea as a school fundraiser item at our winter market. So I’ll be making a bulk amount and trying to come up with a supply list.
Hi Amanda, you just need a small bag like a sandwich bag to hold 1/2 cup of pasta. This is a great idea for a school fundraiser!! Linda