Friendship Soup Mix

Friendship Soup Mix is a heartwarming jar of layered dry ingredients that transforms into a comforting, hearty soup. It’s not only a delicious meal-in-a-jar but also a thoughtful, handmade gift for friends, family, neighbors, or teachers. Made with lentils, pasta, split peas, beans, and seasonings, this mix is a symbol of warmth, care, and shared meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re making it to stock your pantry or gifting it to someone special, this soup mix is practical, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s nutritious, comforting, and customizable to fit any taste.

• Makes a beautiful and meaningful homemade gift
• Shelf-stable and easy to store
• Simple to prepare—just add water and meat (optional)
• Full of fiber, protein, and wholesome ingredients
• Customizable with different seasonings or add-ins

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Dry green or brown lentils
• Split peas (green or yellow)
• Dry red kidney beans
• Small pasta (like elbow or ditalini)
• Pearled barley
• Dry minced onion
• Dried parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper
• Beef bouillon granules or cubes (or vegetable bouillon for a meatless version)

directions

1. In a 1-quart mason jar, layer the ingredients in the following order: lentils, split peas, kidney beans, barley, pasta, dried onion, parsley, basil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and bouillon. Tap the jar gently between each layer to settle the ingredients and create neat layers.
2. Seal the jar tightly with a lid and add a decorative label or tag with cooking instructions.
3. To prepare the soup, empty the contents of the jar into a large pot.
4. Add 12 cups of water and 1 pound of ground beef or sausage (optional).
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Gift Tag Suggestion:
“To make Friendship Soup: Empty contents into a large pot. Add 12 cups of water and 1 lb of ground beef or sausage (optional). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until beans are tender. Stir occasionally and enjoy with a friend!”

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 1-quart jar of soup mix, which yields about 8–10 servings when prepared.
Prep time: 10 minutes (to assemble the jar)
Cook time: 1 to 1.5 hours (once made)
Total time: 1.5 hours

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bouillon or use vegetable bouillon; omit meat during cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of chili powder to the jar.
• More Veggies: Add canned tomatoes, corn, or chopped spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• With Rice: Swap pasta for brown or wild rice for a gluten-free option.
• Add Cheese: Top the finished soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

storage/reheating

Store the dry soup mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Once cooked, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
The cooked soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How long does the soup mix last?

Stored properly in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place, the mix can last for up to 6 months.

Can I use other beans in the mix?

Yes, pinto beans, navy beans, or black beans all work well.

Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?

No soaking is needed—just simmer longer to ensure the beans are tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger jar or divide into multiple containers for gift sets.

What kind of pasta works best?

Small pasta like ditalini, small shells, or elbows are perfect for this soup.

Is it gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the bouillon is gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours until beans are fully softened.

What meats can I add?

Ground beef, sausage, diced ham, or shredded chicken all pair nicely with the soup.

Can I add tomatoes?

Yes, a can of diced tomatoes or tomato paste adds great flavor and richness.

How do I decorate the jar for gifting?

Use ribbon, fabric, or kraft paper to cover the lid, and attach a handwritten or printed label with cooking instructions.

Conclusion

Friendship Soup Mix is a beautiful blend of simplicity, nourishment, and heartfelt giving. It’s not only a cozy meal but a meaningful gesture, perfect for holidays, housewarmings, or just letting someone know you care. Whether you keep a jar for yourself or share it with a friend, this soup is sure to warm both heart and belly.

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