A jar of homemade soup mix is supper waiting on the shelf. Dried beans, lentils, pasta, rice and spices keep for months, cost very little, and turn into a big pot of soup with a little water, a can of tomatoes or some leftover meat.
They are also one of the easiest gifts to make, since the layers look pretty in a jar. Here is how I layer and store them, and ten soup mixes worth keeping on hand.
What you need
- Quart jars or zip-top bags for each batch.
- A canning funnel so the layers stay neat.
- Small bags or plastic wrap for the seasoning packet, so it stays on top.
- A tag or label with the cooking directions.
How to layer a soup mix
- Put the heaviest beans or peas in first and add the rest in contrasting colors.
- Tap the jar on the counter after each layer so it settles.
- Put the bouillon and spices in a small bag on top, so they stay dry and can come out first.
- Fill to the top, seal, and tie on the cooking directions.
Good to know
Most bean soups need the beans soaked overnight, or a quick soak: boil 2 minutes, then let stand 1 hour. Put that step at the top of the tag so no one is surprised at suppertime.
How to store soup mixes
Keep dry soup mixes in a cool, dark cupboard. Beans and lentils keep about a year, but very old beans may never get soft. Mixes with milk powder, cheese powder or bouillon are best used within a few months.
10 favorite homemade soup mixes
1. 9 Bean Soup Mix
Nine kinds of beans, peas, lentils and barley, mixed in one big batch and divided into bags of 2 1/2 cups. Add ham, tomatoes and onion for a thick, hearty pot.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup Mix
Fine egg noodles, chicken bouillon, thyme and a bay leaf. Add water, and cooked chicken if you have it, for a quick bowl of comfort.
3. Cream of Chicken Soup Mix
Dry milk, cornstarch and bouillon make a stand-in for a can of condensed soup in casseroles, at a fraction of the price.
4. Instant Potato Soup Mix
Instant mashed potatoes, dry milk and seasonings. Stir in boiling water and it is ready in a minute, a good one for lunches and snow days.
5. Beef and Barley Vegetable Soup Mix
Barley, split peas and beef bouillon. Brown a little stew meat, add tomatoes and the mix, and let it simmer.
6. Minestrone Soup Mix
Split peas, kidney beans and Italian herbs, with a little bag of elbow macaroni tucked on top.
7. Lentil Soup Mix
Lentils need no soaking, so this one is ready in under an hour. A warm spice blend of cumin, turmeric and cinnamon rides on top of each jar.
8. Broccoli Cheese Soup Mix
Freeze-dried broccoli, potato flakes, milk powder and cheddar cheese powder for a creamy soup straight from the pantry.
9. Taco Soup Mix
Quick-cook beans, rice, dried corn and peppers, with taco seasoning. Add browned beef or chicken if you like.
10. Three-Bean Chili in a Jar
Kidney, pinto and black beans layered with chili spices. Add ground beef or turkey and stock for chili for a crowd.
Want more? My Instant Oatmeal Packets and Cream Soup Mix shows how to replace canned cream soup.
See all the soup and meal mixes in the Homemade Mixes library →
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to soak the beans in a soup mix? Most bean soups cook faster and more evenly if you soak the beans overnight or do a quick soak first. Lentils and split peas need no soaking.
How long does a dry soup mix last? About a year for plain beans, lentils and pasta. Mixes with milk powder, cheese or bouillon are best within a few months. Write the date on the jar.
Can I make a soup mix in a slow cooker? Yes. Soak the beans first, then cook on low for 8 to 10 hours with the water and any meat or tomatoes the recipe calls for.
What can I add to make it a full meal? Browned ground beef, diced ham, leftover chicken or smoked sausage, plus a can of tomatoes or a handful of fresh vegetables.
