Hey, friends!
Looking for a cozy meal that’s super easy to whip up? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m sharing my recipe for lentil soup mix in a jar.
It’s perfect for busy days when you want something warm and hearty.
Plus, it makes a great gift for your foodie friends!
Let’s dive in and get this jar ready! 🥣✨
Ingredient Substitutions
Lentils can be substituted with split mung beans or red lentils for a similar nutritional profile and cooking time. These alternatives offer comparable protein content and fiber, maintaining the soup’s hearty texture. For barley, use quinoa or brown rice to make the mix gluten-free. These grains provide similar bulk and nutrition while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities. Vegetable bouillon can be replaced with dried mushroom powder or a blend of nutritional yeast and dried herbs for a umami-rich, vegetarian-friendly option. Use about 2 teaspoons of mushroom powder or 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast blend per cup of water. These substitutions ensure the soup mix remains versatile and accessible to various dietary needs while preserving its overall flavor profile and convenience.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-360 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-375 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 360-400
- Protein: 20-25 g
- Fat: 2-5 g
- Carbohydrates: 70-80 g
Ingredients
For the jar mix:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup split peas
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup lentils (brown or green lentils work best)
- 1/3 cup wild rice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion (I use McCormick brand)
- 4 tsp vegetable bouillon (better than Bouillon paste works great here)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup barley
When cooking, add additional:
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained for extra liquid)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 7 cups water
Step 1: Layer Ingredients in the Jar
Start with a clean, pint-size jar.
Carefully layer your dry ingredients in the jar in the order specified.
Be sure to pack each layer down gently to ensure everything fits nicely and the layers remain distinct and visually appealing.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, add the contents of the jar to your crock pot or instant pot.
Include 7 cups of water, 1 6-ounce can of tomato paste, and 1 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Cook the Dish
If using an instant pot, pressure cook the mixture for 20 minutes.
You may choose either a quick release or a natural release of the pressure.
If opting for a crock pot, set it to slow cook on low for 6 hours.
This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving
Once the cooking time is complete, taste the dish and add additional salt and pepper as desired.
For a bit of extra heat, you can also add red pepper flakes.
Serve it hot, accompanied by your favorite crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.
This recipe makes 5-6 servings, perfect for a family meal or for leftovers during the week.
