Dehydrated soups are the unsung heroes of easy and efficient meal planning. Whether you’re preparing for a busy week ahead, getting ready for a camping trip, or just want a quick, comforting meal at your fingertips, dehydrated soup offers the perfect solution. These soups are not just about convenience, but they also pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences.
So, let’s dive into the world of dehydrated soups. I’m going to guide you step by step through an easy-to-follow recipe that will leave you with a delicious homemade soup that’s ready to rehydrate at any time.
Dehydrated Soup Recipe
This homemade dehydrated soup recipe is perfect for those who want to prepare healthy meals in advance. It combines simple, nutritious ingredients that you can store for months, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to minimize food waste and optimize their pantry. The beauty of dehydrating your own soup lies in the control you have over the ingredients-no preservatives or additives, just wholesome goodness.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need for your dehydrated soup:
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Vegetables: A medley of dried veggies adds a depth of flavor to your soup. Common choices include:
- Carrots (chopped or shredded)
- Celery (diced)
- Bell peppers (diced)
- Onion (diced)
- Mushrooms (sliced)
- Spinach or kale (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced or granulated)
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Broth Base: This is the core of your soup’s flavor. You can either use powdered bouillon cubes or make your own:
- Chicken, beef, or vegetable bouillon powder
- Alternatively, homemade dried vegetable broth powder (if you prefer to avoid store-bought options)
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Grains or Pasta: These add substance to your soup and can help turn it into a hearty meal.
- Instant rice
- Dehydrated potatoes
- Small pasta shapes (like orzo, or elbow macaroni)
- Quinoa (optional, but it’s a nice protein-packed addition)
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Herbs & Spices: A balanced combination of seasonings is key to flavoring the soup. Include:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary
- Bay leaves (optional but adds great aroma)
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
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Protein (Optional): You can add dehydrated protein for a more filling meal.
- Dehydrated beans (like lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans)
- Dehydrated meat (like ground beef or chicken, if desired)
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Thickening Agent (Optional): If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider adding a thickener like:
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- Instant potato flakes
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how you make your dehydrated soup from scratch:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Slice and dice your vegetables to the desired sizes, keeping in mind they’ll need to dehydrate well. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they will rehydrate.
- If you’re using meat, ensure it’s cooked and crumbled into small pieces.
- For any grains or pasta, measure them out, and make sure they’re small enough to rehydrate quickly.
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Dehydrate
- Spread your ingredients on dehydrator trays in a single layer. This will ensure even drying.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your dehydrator. For example, vegetables like carrots and celery typically take about 6-8 hours at 125°F. Meats may take a little longer (up to 12 hours), and grains or pasta are usually quicker, around 4-6 hours.
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Store The Ingredients
- Once dehydrated, store your soup ingredients in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Make sure everything is fully dried to avoid mold or spoilage.
- Consider packaging each batch as a “meal kit”. You can combine your dehydrated veggies, grains, and seasonings into one bag or jar, and keep your broth base separate for easy use.
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Rehydrate
- When you’re ready to cook your soup, pour your dehydrated ingredients into a pot. For each serving, use about 1 cup of dehydrated soup mix.
- Add about 2-3 cups of water (depending on your desired consistency), and bring to a simmer. Allow the soup to rehydrate and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust seasonings as needed.
Ingredient Insights
To get the best results from your dehydrated soup, it’s important to understand how different ingredients behave during dehydration and rehydration. Here are some insights:
- Vegetables: Vegetables retain their flavors well when dehydrated, but some may shrink significantly. Onions, for example, can become very pungent when dried. Garlic and herbs, on the other hand, tend to rehydrate beautifully and retain most of their flavor.
- Broth Base: Using a bouillon powder or homemade broth powder provides a rich and concentrated flavor that infuses your soup as it rehydrates. It’s much more flavorful than using just plain water, especially for a vegetable-heavy soup.
- Grains and Pasta: Grains like rice and quinoa can be a bit tricky to get just right. Instant rice rehydrates faster than regular rice, while pasta shapes should be smaller for optimal rehydration. Make sure to cook the grains or pasta until they’re just underdone before dehydrating, as they will continue cooking when rehydrating.
- Proteins: Dehydrated proteins, like beans and meat, are an excellent addition to dehydrated soups. They expand and soften when rehydrated. If you’re using meat, make sure it’s cooked well and dehydrated at a low temperature to avoid spoiling.
Expert Tips
- Avoid Overcrowding: When drying your ingredients, don’t overload your dehydrator trays. Allow for air circulation around the food, which helps it dry evenly.
- Layer Flavors: Layering different vegetables, herbs, and seasonings can deepen the flavor of your soup. Think of it as building a flavor profile. Consider adding dried mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or crushed tomatoes for acidity.
- Seal for Longevity: To keep your dehydrated soup ingredients fresh for months, use vacuum-sealing bags or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. This will keep moisture out and preserve the flavor.
- Test Your Rehydration Time: Some ingredients like beans may take longer to rehydrate than others, so it’s always a good idea to test your batch and see how long it takes for the soup to reach your preferred texture.
Recipe Variations
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand:
- Vegan Option: Skip the meat and bouillon cubes with animal products. Opt for a veggie broth powder or nutritional yeast for a savory base.
- Spicy Soup: Add more heat with ingredients like chili peppers, hot sauce, or jalapeños. You can also spice up your seasonings with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Lentil or Bean Soup: If you want more protein, try adding lentils or chickpeas. These beans rehydrate well and are perfect for a hearty, fiber-rich meal.
- Creamy Soup: For a creamy texture, add powdered milk, coconut milk powder, or cream cheese powder to the mix. This adds richness when rehydrated.
Final Words
Creating your own dehydrated soup is not only fun, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients you use. From the vegetables to the seasonings, every aspect can be tailored to your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, you get to enjoy the long shelf-life that comes with dehydrated food, meaning you’ll always have a nourishing, homemade meal waiting for you.