Dry Vegetable Soup Mix Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of soup, especially on a chilly day. The warmth, the flavor, and the overall feeling of contentment it provides is almost unmatched. But what if I told you there was a way to enjoy that heartwarming experience without needing to constantly buy store-bought mixes or rely on canned soups? Yes, I’m talking about making your own dry vegetable soup mix at home. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly customizable, and can be a real game changer for anyone who loves the convenience of a quick meal but also wants to skip the artificial additives and excess sodium that often come with packaged mixes.

A dry vegetable soup mix is essentially a blend of dehydrated vegetables, herbs, and seasonings that, once rehydrated with water or broth, transforms into a rich, hearty, and satisfying soup. What makes this so fantastic is that not only do you get to control exactly what goes into your mix, but you can also adjust the flavors to your personal preference or dietary needs. It’s easy to make in batches, store for months, and always have on hand for a rainy day or busy weeknight.

If you’re looking to have a few go-to ingredients stashed in your pantry that can be whipped up into a delicious meal with minimal effort, a dry vegetable soup mix might just become your new favorite thing. Now, let’s dive into the recipe and all the important details that will help you create a perfect, flavorful dry vegetable soup mix!

Dry Vegetable Soup Mix Recipe

Now that you know the ’why’ behind the mix, let’s get into the “how”. Making your own dry vegetable soup mix is actually quite straightforward, and once you’ve got the ingredients together, the process is a breeze.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups of dehydrated mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, onions, celery, green beans, etc.)
• 1 cup of lentils (or split peas, if preferred)
• ½ cup of vegetable bouillon powder (or granules for a rich, savory base)
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt (optional, depending on your dietary preferences)
• 2 tablespoons of dried tomato flakes (optional, but great for a boost of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (optional, adds a cheesy flavor for vegan or dairy-free options)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Vegetables And Ingredients

   • If you’re using dehydrated vegetables that are in larger chunks, break them down into smaller pieces so that they rehydrate evenly when cooking.
   • Place all the dry ingredients, including the bouillon, lentils (or split peas), dried herbs, spices, and any optional ingredients like tomato flakes or nutritional yeast, into a large bowl.

2. Mix Thoroughly

   • Give everything a good stir to make sure that the seasonings and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the dry mix. This step ensures that every serving of soup will have the right amount of flavor balance.

3. Store The Soup Mix

   • Once mixed, transfer the soup blend into an airtight container or jar. This will help preserve the ingredients and ensure the soup mix stays fresh. Stored in a cool, dry place, your homemade dry vegetable soup mix can last up to six months, if not longer.

4. To Make The Soup

   • When you’re ready to cook, take about ¼ cup of the dry mix for each cup of water or vegetable broth you’ll be using. For a heartier soup, you can use a little more of the dry mix.
   • Bring the water (or broth) to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add the dry soup mix, and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils (or split peas) and vegetables are tender.

5. Taste And Adjust

   • Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or herbs if necessary. You can even add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of olive oil for an extra richness to the flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this dry vegetable soup mix plays a specific role in both flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:

• Dehydrated Mixed Vegetables: The cornerstone of the soup, these dried vegetables rehydrate beautifully and provide texture and nutrients to the soup. Carrots, peas, corn, onions, and celery are common choices because they bring sweetness, earthiness, and a savory base to the dish.
• Lentils (or Split Peas): Not only do lentils add protein and fiber to the soup, but they also help thicken the broth as they cook, making the soup feel more filling and hearty. Split peas work the same way and offer a subtle sweetness when cooked.
• Bouillon Powder: This is the secret ingredient for a rich, savory flavor. It’s packed with umami and provides that deep, comforting broth taste you’d expect from store-bought soups.
• Herbs and Spices: Garlic and onion powders add depth, while thyme, basil, and parsley infuse the soup with fresh, herby flavors. These herbs complement the vegetables and lentils perfectly.
• Nutritional Yeast: A great option for vegans or anyone looking for a cheesy, savory flavor without the dairy. Nutritional yeast also adds a slight nuttiness that enhances the soup’s overall profile.

Expert Tips

• Pre-Soak the Lentils (Optional): While the lentils will cook just fine in the soup, soaking them for a couple of hours beforehand can reduce the cooking time and make them even more tender.
• Use Better-than-Bouillon Paste: If you prefer a richer, more natural flavor, try substituting bouillon powder with a paste like Better-than-Bouillon. It’s more concentrated and offers a deeper taste.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite dehydrated vegetables. Diced mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers all work well. Just make sure to use a mixture of vegetables that balance each other in flavor.
• Add Protein Boosters: If you want to increase the protein content, you can add a handful of dried beans (like kidney or garbanzo beans) or even quinoa.
• Add a Touch of Heat: Spice lovers can incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a nice kick.

Recipe Variations

• Tomato-Based Version: To create a richer, tomato-flavored soup, add extra dried tomato flakes and a small amount of Italian seasoning. You can also toss in a spoonful of tomato paste when rehydrating for even more depth.
• Creamy Vegetable Soup: For a creamier version, when ready to serve, stir in a spoonful of coconut milk or a splash of heavy cream (if not vegan). This will create a comforting, silky texture.
• Add Meat: If you’re a fan of meat, you can add dried chicken chunks or even some cooked bacon pieces to the dry mix. Just be sure to store the meat separately so it doesn’t spoil when stored long-term.

Final Words

Making your own dry vegetable soup mix is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to elevate your meal prep, gain control over your ingredients, and discover how fun it can be to craft your own unique blends. The beauty of this soup mix is that it’s as much about convenience as it is about quality ingredients. Whether you’re seeking a healthy lunch option or a quick dinner, having this on hand makes it all possible without any hassle.

But the best part? It’s versatile. You can adapt the recipe to suit whatever you have in your pantry or whatever flavors you’re craving that day. The possibilities are endless, and each batch can be a little different from the last, which keeps things exciting.