How to Make Bean Soup Mix in a Jar – Gift From the Kitchen

This bean soup mix in a jar is perfect for your pantry, cottage or for a friend who could use a meal that’s easy to prepare.

Bean soup mix in a jar
Layers of bean soup mix in jar.

Also Read: How to Make Soup Mixes in a JarVegetable Quinoa & Lentil Soup Mix, Prairie Garden Soup Mix, Chicken Noodle Soup Mix, Split Pea Soup Mix

Did you know that a soup mix like this is also known as Friendship soup? I don’t know if that’s because you make friends when you share this soup – or you have to be good friends when you eat this soup together! Yup, it’s full of beans and that means loads of fibre and tons of toots!

But don’t let that stop you. Those beans are good for you! As my friend and fellow Professional Home Economist says ” Beans are good for your heart, okay, they make you fart, get over it!”

Benefits of Bean Soup Mix

  • super easy to assemble
  • very pretty with all those different layers
  • super affordable
  • gluten free (check your bouillon)
  • vegan (check your bouillon)
  • high in plant protein & fibre
  • easy to prepare even if it does take a while

NOTE: This soup is easy to prepare, but it does take a long time to cook those beans. If you prefer a soup mix that takes less time to cook choose Split Pea Soup Mix, Chicken Noodle Soup Mix or Quinoa Lentil Soup Mix.

It’s great to have on hand as an easy pantry meal for your family. But it’s also perfect when you want to give someone else the gift of an easy meal they can prepare whenever they choose.

Mixed beans on a wooden spoon
Choose a variety of dried beans and peas. Keep them separated to layer in the jar.

What Kind of Beans Are in Bean Soup Mix?

In the recipe below, I list seven different kind of beans and peas. These were the ones that were available in my neighbourhood bulk food store at the time. I basically chose based on colour. I used about 1/4 cup of each type leaving a final 1/4 cup of space for the spice mix.

Some of the common varieties you will likely find include: Pinto Beans, Small Red Beans, Pink Beans, Red Kidney Beans, Great Northern Beans, Blackeye Peas, White eye Peas, Navy Beans, Black Beans, Whole Green Peas, Yellow Split Peas, Green Split Peas, Lentils, Chick Peas and so on. These are just suggestions. Choose whichever ones you can find.

If you can’t find seven different kinds, just make up for the difference by using more of what you do have. It won’t make a huge flavour difference in the end.

Pro Tip: Dried beans, even the most decorative ones, will lose their pretty colours when cooked. Enjoy their looks in the jar and don’t be disappointed if they look a little gray/brown when cooked.

Close up of black and white orca beans
I love these black and white orca beans that I harvested from the garden, but I know they won’t hold their coloring when cooked.

Where Can I Find Soup Mix Ingredients?

I recommend you go to your favourite bulk food store and see what kind of pulses they have. Choose both dried beans, peas and lentils.

WHAT TYPE OF CONTAINERS?

Jars:

Use recycled jars or mason jars – whatever you have. You’ll need a pint/2 cup/500ml sized jar for this soup mix. Old salsa or pickle jars work great. You do not need canning jars, but if that’s what you have, use them! Anything with a tight sealing lid will work.

Seasoning Baggy:

I found some little pill sized zipper baggies at a dollar store to put my spices in.

As an alternative lay out some plastic wrap, make a pile of spices and wrap tightly. Works just as well without having to find the perfect size baggy. You could also wrap your seasoning in parchment or wax paper.

Bags for Soup Mix:

If you’re shipping these soup mixes, you’ll want to avoid glass jars. I use plastic bags instead of jars when I’m sending my soup mixes. I use non-zip storage bags from the grocery store. If those aren’t a good size, check your local craft supply store for more options. Try not to jostle them too much and seal them tight with a twist tie so your layering will stay in place.

How to pack dry soup mix in a jar. Not seasoning spice pack is on top of the dry ingredients. Fresh veggies in the background.
The spice packet goes on top. I usually keep them separated.

BOUILLON OPTIONAL

When making soup, there are several options for tasty broth or stock. You can use homemade stock, bouillon powder, bouillon cubes, bouillon paste, canned broth or stock in tetra packs. Which is your favourite? What do you usually use at home? I usually make my own stock or use bouillon paste (I like Better than Bouillon). I only use powdered bouillon when I’m going camping.

There is no right or wrong, just personal preference. But because everyone has their own preference on this matter, I sometimes leave it up to the soup maker to decide what to use. In the recipe instructions I will include soup stock in the Also Needed list. As for how much: I use the amount of water added to the soup. So in this Split Pea Soup Mix I would recommend 5 cups Soup Stock and in the Instructions I would write: Add peas and spices in pot with five cups of stock.

But, if you want this mix to be complete, add the bouillon powder as indicated in the recipe. Double check the ratio of water to powder with your brand of bouillon.

How Long Does this Soup Mix Last?

Dried soup mixes like this, if kept airtight in a dry, cool space, will last for several years. As with any pantry food, it’s best to use and rotate through them within 12 months for best flavour and quality, even if they will be safe for many years.

The longer you keep this soup on the shelf, the drier those peas and beans become and the longer it will take to cook them. The soup will be safe and delicious, but it will take longer to cook.

Dried peas, like other dried pulses, store well in a dry, dark cupboard for years. That said, it’s always best to rotate through your pantry items within 12 months. And be aware, the older peas and beans get, the longer they take to cook.

Do I need to Soak The Beans?

In this recipe, I recommend a quick soak of the pulses. This involves rinsing them, boiling them for 10 minutes, then letting them soak for 1 hour. After that you can cook the soup with the spice pack. This will take another hour or so. Yup, like I said – this soup takes a while!

Want to skip the soaking? I prefer to soak, but an article in Epicurious says they prefer not soaking beans for any recipe. So, I guess you could try it. Just be sure that if you’re including dried red kidney beans, there is 10 minutes of boiling.

Whether you soak or not, I do like to wash beans before cooking. That’s why I recommend putting everything except the spices in a sieve and rinsing well. Don’t worry about rinsing the veggies and other ingredients – they’re all going to get soaked anyway.

Close up of bean soup prepared, with fresh tomatoes in the background.
This soup will be a brownish colour.

A Caution about Kidney Beans – Bean Toxins

What About Toxins in Kidney Beans?

Raw kidney beans contain a high amount of protein called lectin that can lead to food poisoning. Even as few as 4- 5 raw kidney beans can cause some symptoms. As a result kidney beans should be boiled for at least 10 minutes. Undercooking kidney beans can actually intensify the problem.  Here’s some more info from Penn State Extension.

That’s why my instructions explicitly say to boil for 10 minutes. If you’re at all hesitant, consider omitting the kidney beans or replacing them with red lentils.

Get Your PRINTABLE LABEL

Yes! You can print the Bean Soup Label. Find more labels in my Free Resource section.

Recipe for Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

bean soup mix in jar
Print Recipe
4.59 from 12 votes

Bean Soup Mix in a Jar

This soup mix is full of beans! Be warned it looks prettier in the jar than in the bowl – but it's a tasty, hearty soup that will fill you up.
Prep : 10 minutes
Cook : 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Getty Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup each red lentils, white eyed peas, black beans, green lentils, red beans, pinto beans, green split peas
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 Tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbsp beef or vegetable bouillon
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  • In pint size (500 ml) jar, layer beans and peas in order listed above or as you prefer.
  • In small bowl, mix remainder of ingredients. Place in a small plastic bag or wrap well in plastic wrap to keep separate from beans and peas.
  • Place spice pack on top of beans and peas. Seal jar.
  • Decorate, label and include Cooking Directions.
  • Cooking Instructions
  • Also Needed:
    14 oz can diced tomatoes
  • Remove spice pack.
  • Rinse remainder of ingredients well, then drain.
  • Place bean mix in pot and add 6 cups water and bring to boil. Boil for 10 minutes to remove any toxins from beans.
  • Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour. Drain, rinse, drain.
  • Return to pot, add 7 cups water, 1 can (14 oz/398 ml) diced tomatoes, spice mix and bay leaf.
  • Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 11/2 hours.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, remove bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Makes 9 cups.

Notes

Yield Fills pint (500ml) jar Makes 9 cups soup
 
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 666mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Iron: 2mg
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beans, soup mix

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Will you be making this soup mix for you or someone else? I’d love to hear what you end up making. Just drop me a line. And, if you do make this mix, post a photo on Instagram with #getgettys so I can see it and like it!

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