Dehydrated soup mixes are a wonderful and convenient way to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without the hassle of preparing everything from scratch every single time. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a busy parent, or someone who just loves having a quick meal on hand, dehydrated soup mixes are an absolute game-changer. By making your own dehydrated soup mix, you’re not only ensuring that you’re using wholesome ingredients, but you can also customize the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile to suit your personal preferences. Plus, this homemade version is way more affordable and healthier than store-bought versions, which are often loaded with preservatives and artificial additives.

Today, I’ll take you through a simple yet savory dehydrated soup mix recipe that will quickly become a pantry staple. You’ll learn how to make the soup mix, the best ingredients to use, and expert tips to make sure your dehydrated soup is both tasty and nutritious. So, let’s get started on this practical and fun culinary adventure!

Dehydrated Soup Mix Recipe

This dehydrated soup mix is as easy as it gets, and the best part is that you can prepare it in bulk and store it for months. The mix includes a blend of veggies, spices, and some basic pantry items, all of which come together to create a comforting soup with minimal effort. Here’s the recipe to make about 4-5 servings of your own homemade dehydrated soup mix:

Ingredients Needed

  • 1 Cup Dried Split Peas

    The foundation of your soup, split peas cook quickly and provide a hearty texture. They’re also a great source of fiber and protein.

  • 1/2 Cup Dried Carrots

    Carrots add a natural sweetness and rich color to your soup. Dried carrots can be found at most grocery stores or dehydrated yourself at home.

  • 1/2 Cup Dried Celery

    Celery provides an aromatic base flavor, which is essential for a savory broth. Dried celery is easy to incorporate and rehydrates well.

  • 1/2 Cup Dried Onions

    Onions bring depth to any soup, and dried onions work just as well. They will rehydrate as they cook, adding a robust flavor to the broth.

  • 1/4 Cup Dried Potatoes

    Adding dehydrated potato flakes to your soup mix gives it a creamy consistency when rehydrated, enhancing the texture without being too heavy.

  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

    Garlic is a must for most savory soups. The powdered form is easy to incorporate and adds a wonderful, aromatic kick.

  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

    Thyme complements the other ingredients, adding an earthy herbal flavor that’s typical of many traditional soup recipes.

  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Rosemary

    Rosemary pairs beautifully with the split peas and vegetables, bringing a woody fragrance and bold taste.

  • 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Bouillon Powder

    A vital ingredient for adding rich, savory flavor. You can use chicken bouillon if you prefer, or opt for a vegan variety if you’re aiming for plant-based options.

  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (or To Taste)

    Salt enhances the flavor of your soup, so adjust this based on your personal preferences and dietary needs.

  • 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper

    A little bit of black pepper will bring a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the carrots and potatoes.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your dehydrated soup mix ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to cook it:

  1. Boil Water

    Start by bringing 6 cups of water to a boil. This is the base of your soup, and you can adjust the amount based on your desired consistency (less water for a thicker soup, more for a brothier one).

  2. Add The Soup Mix

    Once the water is boiling, stir in the dehydrated soup mix. Give it a quick stir to make sure all the ingredients are submerged.

  3. Simmer And Rehydrate

    Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables will rehydrate and the flavors will blend beautifully.

  4. Adjust Seasoning

    After simmering, taste your soup. Add more salt, pepper, or bouillon if needed. Some prefer a bit of extra seasoning to really punch up the flavor.

  5. Serve And Enjoy

    Once your soup is done, serve it hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade goodness! It pairs wonderfully with some crusty bread or a side salad.

Ingredient Insights

  • Split Peas

    Split peas are the cornerstone of many classic soups, thanks to their high protein and fiber content. They’re also incredibly easy to dehydrate at home. If you’re making this mix yourself, just make sure to use dried split peas that are clean and free of any debris.

  • Dried Vegetables

    Using dried vegetables instead of fresh ones is the key to making this soup mix portable and shelf-stable. Dried veggies retain most of their nutrients, but they take up far less space in storage, making them perfect for preparing in bulk.

  • Bouillon Powder

    Bouillon cubes or powder are a secret weapon in making soups extra savory. They’re concentrated flavor bombs, providing depth without having to cook down bones or meat for hours. Be cautious about the sodium levels in bouillon, though, as some brands can be very salty.

  • Herbs & Spices

    The herbs-rosemary, thyme, and garlic-are all used in classic soup recipes because they complement the flavors of the vegetables and legumes so well. They’re not just for flavoring; they add aromatic depth, which is crucial for a satisfying soup experience.

Expert Tips

  • Pre-dehydrate Your Own Vegetables

    If you have access to a dehydrator, you can take fresh carrots, celery, onions, and other vegetables and dehydrate them yourself. This way, you have total control over the quality and texture of your ingredients.

  • Keep The Mix Airtight

    Store the dehydrated soup mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are a great option if you’re planning on storing it for long periods. A vacuum-sealed jar works well too.

  • Make It Creamy

    For a creamy soup, you can blend the soup after cooking or stir in a little cream or coconut milk once it’s finished cooking. This will add richness without compromising the heartiness of the peas and vegetables.

  • Make It Hearty

    If you want to make the soup even more filling, add a handful of cooked quinoa, rice, or even some small pasta after the soup has finished cooking. These extras will turn the soup into a full meal.

Recipe Variations

  1. Add Meat

    You can make this soup non-vegetarian by adding small cubes of dehydrated chicken, turkey, or even beef. Just rehydrate the meat along with the soup mix and adjust the seasoning as needed.

  2. Spicy Twist

    If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. The spicy kick will add an exciting dimension to the soup.

  3. Vegan-Friendly

    Make sure to use vegetable bouillon, and you can add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor that’s completely plant-based.

  4. Herb Variations

    Experiment with other herbs like sage, marjoram, or basil to create different flavor profiles. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility!

  5. Add Fresh Greens

    After cooking, toss in some fresh spinach, kale, or arugula for a green boost. The heat from the soup will wilt the greens, making them a perfect addition.

Final Words

The beauty of homemade dehydrated soup mixes lies in their simplicity and convenience. Once you have a batch of this soup mix in your pantry, you’re only a few steps away from a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch but still want something nourishing and wholesome.

You can also customize the mix to suit your tastes, making it as simple or as complex as you like. It’s a fantastic option for camping, prepping for busy weeks, or just having a reliable soup waiting in your pantry for any day.

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