Friendship Soup In A Jar Recipe

There’s something truly heartwarming about the idea of a homemade soup that you can keep in your pantry, ready to go when the craving hits or when a cozy, comforting meal is needed. Friendship Soup in a Jar is one of those recipes that’s not just delicious, but also thoughtful. It’s the kind of dish you can gift to friends and family, or keep for yourself on a busy day when you don’t have the time or energy to whip up something from scratch.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. Packed with dry ingredients layered in a mason jar, it’s like a little gift of warmth and care – a thoughtful gesture that says, ’I”m thinking of you”. And when it’s time to cook, the process is effortless, with minimal prep involved. Just add water or broth, simmer, and enjoy the satisfying flavors that develop as the soup comes together.

Whether you’re gifting it to someone special or simply stocking your own pantry for a rainy day, Friendship Soup in a Jar is a winner in terms of both practicality and taste.

Now, let’s dive into the details of the Friendship Soup in a Jar recipe. This layered concoction is easy to assemble, making it the perfect gift or meal prep option. The idea is to stack the ingredients in a mason jar in a specific order, so that when it’s time to cook, the soup comes together without a hassle.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for this soup are a mix of dry beans, pasta, and seasonings that combine to create a hearty, delicious meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of dried split peas – These provide a creamy texture once cooked and give the soup a lovely, smooth consistency.
1/2 cup of dried lentils – A great source of protein and fiber, lentils add a slight earthiness to the soup.
1/2 cup of dried kidney beans – Kidney beans offer a hearty texture and complement the other legumes nicely.
1/2 cup of pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini) – The pasta absorbs the flavors of the broth and thickens the soup.
1/4 cup of dried onion flakes – This adds a savory depth of flavor and enhances the overall aroma.
1 tablespoon of dried minced garlic – Garlic brings that warm, aromatic quality that’s key in any comforting soup.
1 teaspoon of dried thyme – Thyme adds an earthy, slightly floral taste that pairs well with beans and herbs.
1 teaspoon of dried basil – Basil gives a touch of sweetness and herbaceous flavor that balances the earthiness of the beans.
1 teaspoon of dried oregano – Oregano adds a warm, slightly spicy note that makes the soup taste more complex.
1/2 teaspoon of salt – Enhances all the flavors in the soup without overpowering them.
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper – A subtle touch of heat and spice to round out the taste.

For the gifting instructions (to be added with the jar):

Broth (about 6 cups) – Chicken or vegetable broth is ideal for this, but feel free to use any broth you prefer.
Olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and onion, which will help build flavor before adding the jarred ingredients.
Fresh vegetables – You can add a diced carrot, celery, or even some spinach or kale for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Cooking Instructions

Making Friendship Soup in a Jar couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how you put it all together:

Prepare The Jar
- Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar in the order listed in the ingredient list. This ensures that the ingredients are easy to add into the pot and cook evenly.
- Seal the jar tightly and attach a label with the instructions: ’Pour ingredients into a large pot with 6 cups of broth. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 diced carrot (optional). Simmer for 60 minutes or until beans are tender. Enjoy!’
Cooking The Soup
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic (if you’d like to add fresh vegetables, this is the time to sauté them too).
- Step 2: Once the onion is translucent and fragrant, pour in the entire jar of dry ingredients.
- Step 3: Add 6 cups of your choice of broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef broth) to the pot and bring everything to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should soften and the soup should thicken. If the soup gets too thick, add more broth or water as needed.
- Step 5: Once the beans are tender and the flavors are melded together, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
- Serve hot with a garnish of fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a side of crusty bread. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly day or a dinner to share with friends and family.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Friendship Soup brings something unique to the table. Here’s a breakdown of why these particular ingredients were chosen:

Legumes (split peas, lentils, kidney beans): Beans are the backbone of this soup, providing a hearty, satisfying base. They’re rich in fiber and protein, making the soup filling and nutritious. The combination of different types of beans adds complexity, ensuring the soup isn’t just one-note.
Pasta: The pasta adds a comforting, starchy texture that thickens the soup, making each spoonful more satisfying. It absorbs the broth’s flavors, creating a rich, flavorful bite.
Herbs and spices: The blend of thyme, basil, oregano, and garlic creates a balanced depth of flavor without overpowering the simplicity of the soup. These herbs enhance the natural flavors of the beans and give the soup that homemade, comforting taste.
Onion and garlic: These two ingredients are the aromatics that form the foundation of many soups. They bring warmth, richness, and a savory depth that makes this soup more than just beans and pasta.

Expert Tips

Soak the beans: If you have extra time, consider soaking the beans overnight before cooking them. This will reduce cooking time and help with digestion. However, you can also skip this step if you’re in a hurry-just be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time.
Adjust for texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to purée some of the beans once they’re tender. This will give the soup a creamy consistency.
Add extra vegetables: Feel free to toss in some diced carrots, celery, or even spinach or kale. These vegetables will add color, nutrients, and a touch of freshness to the soup.
Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Recipe Variations

Friendship Soup is wonderfully flexible, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations to try:

Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Simply use vegetable broth and skip the olive oil if you want a completely plant-based version. The soup is naturally vegetarian, so making it vegan is a breeze.
Meat Lover’s Twist: Add cooked sausage or bacon to the soup for an extra layer of flavor. Crumbled sausage works especially well, adding a meaty richness to the broth.
Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, toss in a diced jalapeño or a spoonful of hot sauce. The beans and pasta will mellow the heat while still providing a zing.
Curry Flavor: Add a teaspoon or two of curry powder along with the herbs for a warm, aromatic twist. The combination of curry and beans is absolutely divine.

Final Words

Friendship Soup in a Jar is more than just a recipe; it’s a gesture, a way of sharing warmth and comfort in a jar. It’s versatile, simple, and perfect for busy nights or when you want to share something homemade with loved ones. Whether you’re cooking it for yourself or gifting it, you’re creating something truly special.

Friendship Soup In A Jar Recipe