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DIY Dry Soup Mixes for Holiday Gifting
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The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably already thinking about gift-giving. There’s nothing quite like a homemade present to show friends and family that you really care. And what could be more comforting than a warm, hearty soup on a chilly winter evening? DIY dry soup mixes are a creative, edible gift that’s perfect for everyone on your list. These jars of layered ingredients are as beautiful as they are practical, offering a delicious meal with minimal effort. Plus, they’re packed with CA GROWN beans and flavors that reflect the bounty of the Golden State.
Why DIY Soup Mixes Make the Perfect Gift
The reason why soup mixes are a go-to for edible gifting? Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also visually stunning and packed with wholesome ingredients. Soup mixes in jars are a thoughtful gesture that says, “Take some time to relax and enjoy a cozy meal on me.” Here’s why they’re so great:
- Versatile: Soup mixes are suitable for almost anyone, from health-conscious friends to those who just love a hearty meal.
- Convenient: Once assembled, these jars can be stored for months, making them a long-lasting gift option.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings and beans to suit your recipient’s tastes.
- Eco-Friendly: Using reusable jars and CA GROWN ingredients makes these soup mixes both thoughtful and sustainable.
Each mix comes with a printable gift tag, which we included further down in this post, for you to download, containing its simple cooking instructions, so all your loved ones need to do is add a few fresh ingredients. Voilà—a warm, comforting meal is ready in no time!
The Magic of CA GROWN Beans in Soup Mixes
California is known for its agriculture, and beans are no exception. With fertile soil and a variety of climates, California produces some of the best beans in the country. From black beans to red lentils, these legumes are the backbone of our DIY soup mixes, bringing both nutrition and a taste of the Golden State to each jar. Beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
CA GROWN beans are a testament to our state’s dedication to quality and sustainability. So, when you gift these soup mixes, you’re not just sharing a delicious meal—you’re supporting farmers from the Golden State and the environment. Now, let’s dive into the three soup mixes we created for you to whip up and share this holiday season.
Recipe #1: Split Pea Soup in a Jar – A Classic Favorite
If there’s one soup that can instantly make you feel cozy, it’s split pea soup. This DIY mix layers green and yellow split peas with savory seasonings, creating a meal that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Split Pea Soup in a Jar is perfect for anyone who loves traditional, hearty flavors.
Ingredients for the Jar
- Green and yellow split peas
- Dried minced onion
- Chicken or vegetable bouillon powder
- Dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
To make the soup, your recipient will just need to add water, olive oil, and a few fresh veggies like carrots and celery. They can also toss in some diced ham if they want an extra boost of flavor, but it isn’t necessary. This jar is a thoughtful, comforting gift that turns into a warm bowl of soup in less than an hour!
Recipe #2: Taco Soup in a Jar – Bold Flavors for the Adventurous
For those who like a little kick in their meal, this Taco Soup in a Jar is a fantastic choice. This layered soup mix features black and/or pinto beans, taco seasoning, and a dried chili pepper for that extra kick of subtle heat.
Ingredients for the Jar
- Chicken or vegetable bouillon powder
- Taco seasoning
- Dried minced onion and garlic
- Dried parsley and dried sweet corn kernels
- Black and/or pinto beans
- Whole dried chile pepper (Espelette or Guajillo works great)
The mix makes a rich, satisfying soup with the bold flavors of a taco. All your loved one needs to do is add fire-roasted tomatoes and water, and they’ll have a delicious meal in about two hours. Top it off with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some fresh cilantro for a flavorful meal they’ll be raving about!
Recipe #3: 7-Bean Soup in a Jar – A Nutritional Powerhouse
Looking for a soup that’s packed with nutrition? This 7-Bean Soup in a Jar is the ultimate healthy gift. With seven types of beans, this mix is as beautiful as it is nourishing. Each layer of beans brings a different color, creating a striking, festive display perfect for gifting.
Ingredients for the Jar
- Pinto beans, black beans, red beans, navy beans, baby lima beans, lentils, and split green peas
- Bay leaf, bouillon powder, garlic powder, chili powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper
To prepare, all your friend has to do is remove the spice sachet and bay leaf, then soak the beans overnight. When ready to cook they simply add water, canned tomatoes, and onion, and let it simmer until tender. This mix is ideal for anyone who loves hearty, fiber-packed meals that keep them feeling full and satisfied.
How to Decorate Your DIY Soup Mix Jars
Presentation is key when it comes to holiday gifting. To make your soup mix jars look as special as they taste, here are a few ideas:
- Add a Tag with Instructions: Print out the instruction cards below for cooking the soup and attach it with a ribbon.
- Top with a Fabric Circle: Cut out a square or circle of fabric to cover the jar lid, then secure it with twine or a festive ribbon.
- Include a Mini Wooden Spoon: Tie a small wooden spoon to the jar for an extra touch of charm.
These little details make a big impact and show that you’ve put thought and care into every jar.
Pairing Soup Mixes with Other DIY Gifts
If you’re making soup mixes for holiday gifts, why not pair them with other homemade treats? Here are a few ideas to make your gift feel like a complete, cozy package:
- Handmade Craft Cocktail Kits: Perfect for friends who enjoy a little holiday cheer.
- Traditional Sugar Plums: A sweet, nostalgic treat that pairs beautifully with a savory soup.
- Pistachio and Almond Honeycomb Candy: Adds a unique, crunchy texture to any holiday basket.
- Pistachio Nut Brittle: Another crunchy delight that balances out the savory with sweet.
- Honey Roasted Nuts: These are ideal for nibbling alongside a warm bowl of soup.
- Fiery Candied Walnuts: A spicy-sweet addition that complements the richness of the soup.
These DIY treats pair wonderfully with our soup mixes, creating a well-rounded gift that covers all the senses—from the warm, savory aroma of soup to the sweet crunch of honeycomb candy. Each item highlights California’s agricultural scene and brings a taste of the Golden State to your loved ones’ holiday tables.
Looking to add a festive DIY feel to your home and table for the holiday season? Check out the blog posts below:
- Fresh Wreath with Dried Citrus, Whole Nuts, and Succulents: For a natural, beautiful touch that adds to the holiday atmosphere.
- How to Gift and Care for Poinsettia: Discover the secrets to gifting and maintaining poinsettias, including essential tips for keeping this classic holiday plant vibrant and healthy throughout the season.
- How to Make a Holiday Centerpiece for Your Table: Learn how to create a stunning DIY holiday centerpiece that brings festive charm to your table with natural elements like greenery, pinecones, and candles.
Soup Mixes: A Gift That Keeps Giving
One of the best things about gifting soup mixes is that they can be enjoyed beyond the holiday season. These jars can be stored for several months or more, offering your friends and family a cozy meal whenever they need it most. Whether it’s a chilly January night or a rainy spring day, these DIY soup mixes are a comforting reminder of your thoughtfulness. .
With each spoonful, your loved ones will taste the care and effort you put into these gifts. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that’s practically ready to go? Just add water, simmer, and enjoy!
Why DIY Soup Mixes Are Perfect for Holiday Gifting
DIY dry soup mixes are ideal holiday gifts. They’re unique, practical, and beautiful, not to mention incredibly delicious. As you’re prepping for the holidays, consider adding these DIY soup mixes to your gift list. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives them.
Happy gifting, and happy holidays! May your season be filled with warmth, love, and a whole lot of CA GROWN goodness.
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DIY Soup Mixes
Ingredients
7- Bean Soup in a Jar
- ¼ cup pinto beans
- ¼ cup black beans
- ¼ cup small red beans
- ¼ cup navy beans
- ¼ cup lentils
- ¼ cup baby lima beans
- ¼ cup split green peas
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 TBSP vegetable or chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Split Pea Soup in a Jar
- 4 TBSP dried minced onion
- 1 TBSP chicken bouillon powder
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup green split peas
- 1 cup yellow split peas
Taco Soup in a Jar:
- 1 1-oz packet of taco seasoning
- 1/2 TBSP vegetable or chicken bouillon powder
- 1 TBSP dried minced onion
- 1 tsp dried minced garlic
- ½ TBSP dried parsley
- 1/4 cup dried sweet corn kernels
- 1 1/2 cups dried black or pinto beans or a mixture of both
- 1 whole dried chile pepper such as Espelette or Guajillo
Instructions
To assemble the 7-Bean Soup in a Jar:
- Layer the Beans: In a pint-sized (16-oz or 475ml) glass jar, start by layering the beans and legumes in alternating colors. Begin with the pinto beans, followed by the black beans, small red beans, navy beans, baby lima beans, lentils, and split green peas. Create a visually appealing pattern by alternating light and dark beans.
- Add the Spices: Tuck the bay leaf into the jar against the glass using it as a decorative element. Then combine the bouillon powder, garlic powder, chili powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Place these spices in a small plastic bag, tea sachet, or spice packet, then seal it. Place the spice packet on top of the bean layers inside the jar.
- Seal the jar: Once all the ingredients are added, seal the jar tightly with a lid. You can also include one of our printable gift tags with instructions for making the soup.
To assemble the Split Pea Soup In A Jar :
- Add the dry seasonings to the bottom a pint-sized (16-oz or 475ml) glass jar: Add the dried minced onion, bouillon powder, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Layer the peas: Begin by adding 1/4 cup of green split peas to the jar over the spices. Next, add 1/4 cup of yellow split peas. Repeat this process, alternating between the green and yellow split peas, to create a visually appealing layered pattern. You may have a tablespoon or two of split peas leftover once filling your jar. This is ok, just leave them out of the jar as the most important thing is that you can seal the jar tightly for storage.
- Seal the jar: Once all the ingredients are added, seal the jar tightly with a lid. You can also include one of our printable gift tags with instructions for making the soup.
To assemble the Taco Soup in a Jar:
- Start by adding the contents of the taco seasoning packet to a small plastic bag, tea sachet, or spice packet, then seal it.
- Then in a separate small plastic bag, tea sachet, or spice packet add the bouillon powder, dried minced onion, dried minced garlic, and parsley then seal it as well.
- Add the spice packets to the bottom of a quart-sized (32-oz or 945ml) glass jar followed by the dried sweet corn and beans. Place the dried chile pepper on top of the beans.
- Seal the jar: Once all the ingredients are added, seal the jar tightly with a lid. You can also include one of our printable gift tags with instructions for making the soup.
