Monday, November 18, 2013

Mexican Bean Soup Mix


Here's another easy gift in a jar to make to give to friends or family for the holidays!  Little ingredients, big flavor = great gift!

Mexican Bean Soup Mix

Ingredients
3/4 cup pinto beans
3/4 cup red kidney beans
1/2 cup white rice
3/4 cup small pasta
Flavor Packet
2 tbls. dried onion flakes (or minced onion)
2 tbls. dried parsley flakes
1 tbls. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
6 tsp. chicken bouillon granules

Method
In a 1 quart mason jar with lid, layer the beans.  In small plastic bags add:  rice to one, small pasta to another and flavor packet ingredients to another (seal each with twist ties) and place in jar.  Add lid and any decorative cloth, rope ties, bows, etc. you 'd like. 

Include a recipe card with the following instructions:

Add beans to heavy 4-5 quart pot with 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover and remove from heat. Let sit 1 hour.  Drain beans and return to pot.  Add 8 cups water and contents of flavor packet. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour or until beans are firm tender (time will vary - you want them tender but not mushy).  Stir in rice and continue to simmer until rice is cooked (25-30 minutes).  Stir in pasta and 1/2 cup more water and simmer until pasta is tender (10 minutes).

The soup mix is now ready to eat "as is" for a hearty protein and fiber packed vegetarian version, or add cooked ground beef or shredded cooked chicken if desired.

Yield:  8 cups

There are many, many recipes out there for Soup Mixes in a Jar and more!  Check out these links for more amazing ideas:

Soup Mixes in a Jar Recipes

Cookie Mixes in a Jar Recipes


Enjoy,
Mary

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