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11 Homemade Soup Mixes: Soup in a Jar
As an alternative to buying canned soup, you can make your own dry soup mixes in a jar! Homemade soup mixes let you make a soup anytime, with just a few minutes in the pot.
As an alternative to buying canned soup, you can make your own dry soup mixes in a jar! Homemade soup mixes let you make a soup anytime, with just a few minutes in the pot.
They’re really just as handy as store-bought cans and packets of soup. The difference is that you put them together, keep them for months, and then cook them whenever you’re ready.
We’ve collected some soup mix recipes to help you get started.
Benefits of Homemade Soup Mixes
There are make good reasons to make your own soup mixes at home.
Control over Ingredients: You have complete control over what goes into your soup. You can choose organic and locally sourced ingredients, avoid preservatives and artificial additives, and tailor the flavors to suit your taste preferences.
Cost-Effective: It can save you money in the long run. By purchasing ingredients in bulk, you can significantly reduce the cost per serving compared to store-bought options. And for storage you just need some old condiment jars, or some mason jars from the store, which you can reuse basically forever.
Convenience: These mixes allow for quick and easy meal preparation. By having pre-measured ingredients on hand, you can whip up a delicious soup in no time.
Customizable Flavors: It lets you customize flavors. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a subtle herb-infused broth, you can tailor each mix to suit your palate.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Soup Mixes
For most of these mixes, there are some standard types of ingredients you’ll be including.
Dried Herbs and Spices: Ingredients like bay leaves, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, and chili powder add depth and flavor to your soup mixes.
Dried Vegetables: Dried vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and bell peppers help to create a rich base for your soups.
Beans and Lentils: Beans and lentils such as black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and split peas adds protein, fiber, and texture to your soup mixes.
Pasta or Rice: Pasta or rice will add heartiness to the soup. Options like macaroni, alphabet pasta, or wild rice work well.
Bouillon or Stock Cubes: To enhance the flavor profile of your soup mixes, use bouillon cubes or stock cubes. Opt for low-sodium options for a healthier alternative.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Soup Mixes
Creating your own soup mixes at home can be simple and fun, but there are a few tips that can help you get the best results. First, always use high-quality dried ingredients. Freshness matters, especially with dried herbs and spices, as they lose their flavor over time. Buy from trusted sources or stores with a high turnover to ensure your ingredients are potent.
Next, make sure all your ingredients are fully dry before mixing. Any moisture can cause spoilage or mold growth when stored. Using a clean, dry jar with an airtight seal is essential to keep air and moisture out, preserving your soup mix for months.
For best flavor, label your jars with the date you made the mix. This way, you can keep track of storage time and use older mixes first. Although these mixes last up to 6 months or longer, it’s good practice to check for any off smells or discoloration before cooking.
How to Customize Your Soup Mixes
One of the great things about homemade soup mixes is that you can tailor them exactly to your taste and dietary needs. If you want a low-sodium option, simply reduce or skip bouillon cubes and use herbs for flavor instead. For a gluten-free version, swap out pasta with rice or gluten-free pasta.
Feel free to add heat by including chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika if you like spicy soups. You can also mix in unique herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram to give your soup a different twist.
If you prefer a creamier soup base, add powdered milk or non-dairy milk powder to your mix. This is a good option for creamy vegetable soups or chowders. For extra protein, consider adding dried textured vegetable protein (TVP) or freeze-dried cooked meats into your mix.
How to Store and Use Your Soup Mixes
Store your soup mixes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Pantries or kitchen cabinets work well. Avoid storing near the stove or dishwasher where heat and humidity fluctuate.
When ready to cook, follow the instructions on your label for best results. Most mixes just need boiling water and simmering for 15-40 minutes depending on the ingredients. If you want to speed up cooking time, soak beans or lentils overnight before adding them to the pot.
You can also use these mixes beyond soup. For example, sprinkle dry onion soup mix on roasted vegetables or mix creamy soup base powder into mashed potatoes for extra flavor. Lentil or bean-based mixes can be used to make veggie burgers or added to casseroles.
Ideas for Gift Giving with Soup Mixes
Soup mixes in jars make thoughtful and practical gifts. You can personalize them with decorative labels and cooking instructions written by hand. Pair the mix with a wooden spoon, a small package of crackers, or a cute mug for a nice gift package.
Consider making themed gift sets such as “Cozy Winter Soups” with several different soup mixes in smaller jars. Another idea is “Vegetarian Soup Sampler” featuring lentil, vegetable, and bean-based mixes.
Gift recipients will appreciate how easy it is to have a homemade meal ready anytime without much effort. These gifts work well for housewarmings, holidays, teacher appreciation, or as a simple thank-you.
How to Make Your Own Dehydrated Vegetables
Buying dehydrated vegetables is convenient but can get pricey if you use them often. Making your own is easy if you have a food dehydrator or an oven with a low setting.
Start by washing and chopping fresh vegetables into small, even pieces. Blanch vegetables like carrots and green beans briefly in boiling water to preserve color and nutrients before drying.
Arrange your veggies on dehydrator trays or baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Dry at 125°F to 135°F (52°C to 57°C) until completely crisp and brittle. This usually takes 6-12 hours depending on the vegetable.
Store dehydrated veggies in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Homemade dehydrated vegetables are great for adding fresh flavor and nutrition to your soup mixes.
Using Freeze-Dried Ingredients in Soup Mixes
Freeze-dried ingredients are another great option for homemade soup mixes. They retain most of their nutrients and flavor since they are frozen first before drying under vacuum.
Freeze-dried vegetables rehydrate quickly when cooked in soup, giving you a texture closer to fresh vegetables than regular dried ones. Freeze-dried meats like ground beef or chicken add real protein without the need to cook fresh meat ahead of time.
While freeze-dried ingredients cost more than regular dried ones, they can be worth it for their taste and convenience, especially if you plan to store soup mixes long-term or want quick meal prep.
Homemade Soup Mixes: Soup in a Jar
This is an easy to make, and it's easy to swap, omit or add ingredients to make it suit your family's taste. Whip up a big batch and you can store it at room temp for at least 6 months, probably longer.
It's made with just a few pantry essentials. And what you get is a simple seasoned creamy soup. You can use it as a base and add dehydrated veggies. Or cook meat on the day to add to it.
All the taco ingredients and seasonings, except for meat and a tortilla. Which you can add if you want when you cook it.
But there's no need, because the beans are so hearty. It's perfect for a meatless meal!
This Onion Soup mix is very simple and only takes about 5 minutes to put together. Use it to make soup, dip, or a marinade.
Or sprinkle it over veggies brushed with olive oil before you roast them.
This brilliant recipe uses freeze-dried ground beef, which turns into delicious chunks of beef when you cook the soup. It's a satisfying soup that's filled with freeze dried veggies, dehydrated potatoes and wonderful herbs and seasoning.
This recipe is designed for gifting. It comes with lentils, pasta, split peas, barley, Italian seasonings and more. The recipient is invited to add some meat and other ingredients when they make it.
Making your own boullion powder means you get to decide exactly how it should taste. Add or omit herbs and spices.
You only need a few ingredients, although you can add as many spices as you'd like.
This is a delicious recipe featuring lots of beans, lentils and split peas along with some lively seasonings.
This meatless soup is a traditional Italian favorite. It's designed to be cheap while also filling you up.
6. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Mix
Chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort and warmth. Here’s how you can create your own homemade chicken noodle soup mix:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1/4 cup dehydrated carrots
- 1/4 cup dehydrated celery
- 1/4 cup dehydrated onion
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or mason jar.
- Label the container with the name of the soup mix and its cooking instructions.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the chicken noodle soup mix and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
7. Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup Mix
For a nutritious and filling option, try this hearty vegetable lentil soup mix:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1/4 cup dried onion
- 1/4 cup dried carrots
- 1/4 cup dried celery
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or mason jar.
- Label the container with the name of the soup mix and its cooking instructions.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Cooking Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil.
- Add the lentil soup mix and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Serve hot and savor the wholesome flavors!
8. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mix
Indulge in the creamy goodness of broccoli cheddar soup with this homemade mix:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons dried onion
- 2 tablespoons dried carrots
- 2 tablespoons dried celery
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or mason jar.
- Label the container with the name of the soup mix and its cooking instructions.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water and 1 cup of milk to a boil.
- Add the broccoli cheddar soup mix and stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Optional: For an extra creamy texture, blend half of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Adjusting Soup Mixes for Different Serving Sizes
You don’t need to limit yourself to making large batches of soup mix at once. Adjust recipes easily by dividing ingredient amounts by half or doubling them depending on how many servings you want.
If you make smaller batches, store them in smaller jars or resealable bags with labels so you have ready-to-use portions that won’t get stale waiting too long.
When cooking smaller portions, reduce water amounts accordingly but keep an eye on consistency. Add more liquid if the soup looks too thick during cooking.
Quick Cooking Tips for Homemade Soup Mixes
- Use hot water from the kettle instead of cold water to speed up cooking time.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving for bright flavor.
- For creamier soups, stir in a splash of cream, milk, or non-dairy milk after cooking.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend chunky soups for a smooth texture.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later on.
Homemade dry soup mixes are a smart way to save money, control what you eat, and enjoy warm meals anytime. With a little planning and simple ingredients, you’ll always have tasty soup ready in minutes.
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