Rainbow Bean Soup Mix in a Quart Jar: A Gift of Warmth and Flavor

There’s a special kind of magic in a jar, isn’t there? For me, it’s the kind you can create in your own kitchen, a tangible parcel of comfort and deliciousness waiting to be unveiled. I remember the first time I gifted a quart jar of this Rainbow Bean Soup Mix. It was for a neighbor who had just moved in, and I wanted to offer something more personal than a store-bought casserole. As I layered the vibrant beans and fragrant herbs, I felt a quiet joy, imagining the steam rising from their pot, carrying with it the aroma of home and a little bit of my well wishes. It’s a simple gesture, but one that always resonates deeply, transforming humble pantry staples into a thoughtful expression of care.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (plus soaking time)
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups of soup
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your vibrant quart jar of soup mix:

• For the Rainbow Layers:

  • 3/4 cup dried red beans
  • 3/4 cup dried Great Northern beans
  • 3/4 cup dried split peas
  • 3/4 cup lentils (Brown lentils are perfectly fine, but red lentils or yellow split peas will contribute to a more pronounced “rainbow” of colors in the jar.)
  • 3/4 cup dried black beans

• For the Flavorful Seasoning Packet:

  • 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
  • 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules (Look for these in the soup aisle; a vegetarian or vegan alternative can be used if preferred.)
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons sweetened lemonade drink mix (This adds a subtle tang that brightens the soup.)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Optional Addition:

  • One 5-ounce can of canned ham (If you choose to include this, remember to adjust the cooking instructions by adding the drained ham during the last 30 minutes of simmering.)

Equipment Needed

• Quart-sized jar with a wide mouth (though any quart jar will work)
• Small resealable plastic bag or parchment paper square (for the seasoning packet)
• Large microwave-safe dish with a lid (or microwave-safe bowl and plastic wrap)
• Large pot with a lid
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions: Crafting Your Jar and Cooking the Soup

The beauty of this recipe lies in its dual nature: a charming gift to assemble and a comforting meal to prepare.

Assembling the Jar (The Gift-Giving Aspect):

1. Prepare Your Jar: Select a quart jar. A wide-mouth jar is a bit easier for layering, but any standard quart jar will do beautifully. Ensure it’s clean and dry.
2. Layer the Beans: Carefully add each type of dried bean to the jar in the exact order listed in the ingredients. This creates the visually appealing layered effect. Start with the dried red beans, then add the dried Great Northern beans, followed by the dried split peas, the lentils, and finally the dried black beans at the top.
3. Create the Seasoning Packet: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the seasoning packet: dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, dried parsley flakes, dried basil, sweetened lemonade drink mix, chili powder, garlic powder, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix them thoroughly.
4. Add the Seasoning: You can either create a small sealed packet using a resealable plastic bag or a square of parchment paper tied with kitchen twine. Gently place this seasoning packet on top of the layered beans inside the jar. Flatten it slightly so that it can be seen through the sides of the jar, nestled amongst the colorful legumes.
5. Seal and Decorate: Securely place the lid on the quart jar. Now comes the fun part of presentation! You can decorate the jar with ribbons, fabric scraps, or a personalized tag. Attach a note with the cooking instructions and a suggested expiration date of one year from the time of assembly.

Cooking the Soup (The Delicious Result):

1. Prepare the Beans: When you’re ready to make the soup, remove the seasoning packet from the jar and set it aside. Pour the contents of the jar (all the rinsed beans) into a large microwave-safe dish.
2. Initial Microwave Cook: Cover the beans with water, ensuring the water level is about 1″ to 2″ over the top of the beans. Loosely cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high for 15 minutes. After 7 minutes, rotate the dish to ensure even cooking.
3. Drain and Rinse: Carefully drain the water from the microwaved beans and rinse them very well. This step is crucial for removing any residual starches or impurities.
4. Combine and Simmer: Transfer the thoroughly rinsed beans to a large pot. Add 8 cups of water to the pot. If you are using the optional canned ham, drain it and add it now. Stir in the contents of the seasoning packet you set aside earlier.
5. Boil and Simmer: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the soup simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Check for Tenderness: During the simmering process, stir occasionally. The soup is ready when the beans are tender. If you opted for the canned ham, ensure it’s added during the last 30 minutes of simmering to heat through.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bean Soaking Nuance: While the microwave method is quick, traditionalists might prefer soaking the beans overnight. If you do soak them, drain and rinse them thoroughly before proceeding to the cooking steps.
• Bouillon Choice: The beef bouillon granules provide a rich umami base. For a vegetarian or vegan soup, opt for a vegetable bouillon alternative. Ensure it’s a good quality one, as it significantly impacts the final flavor.
• Lemonade Mix Magic: Don’t skip the lemonade mix! It’s a chef’s secret for adding a bright, subtle acidity that cuts through the richness of the beans and prevents the soup from tasting flat.
• Spice Level Adjustment: The chili powder in this recipe provides a gentle warmth. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the chili powder slightly, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning packet.
• Texture Perfection: For a creamier soup, you can mash a portion of the cooked beans against the side of the pot before serving, or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This hearty bean soup is wonderfully versatile. Serve it piping hot in bowls, perhaps garnished with a swirl of sour cream (or dairy-free alternative), a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a crusty piece of bread for dipping. It’s also excellent served with a side of soup crackers, as the original recipe suggests, or a simple green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions. This soup also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this hearty Rainbow Bean Soup Mix:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	148.6 kcal	–
Total Fat	0.7 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	0%
Cholesterol	0.1 mg	0%
Sodium	182 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	26.8 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	8.7 g	34%
Sugars	2.3 g	9%
Protein	10.2 g	20%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan: As mentioned, swap the beef bouillon for a good quality vegetable bouillon. Ensure any other additions are also vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
• Smoky Flavor: For a hint of smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning packet.
• Added Veggies: Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup during the last hour of simmering for extra texture and nutrients.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or marjoram in the seasoning mix.

FAQs

Q: How long does the dried bean mix last in the jar?
A: When stored in a cool, dry place, the dried bean mix in the jar is best used within one year of assembly.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for the jar mix?
A: No, this recipe is designed for dried beans to be layered in the jar. Canned beans are already cooked and will not create the layered effect or have the same shelf stability in the jar.

Q: What kind of jar is best for this mix?
A: A quart-sized jar is ideal. A wide-mouth jar makes layering easier, but any standard quart jar will work.

Q: Is the lemonade mix essential for the flavor?
A: Yes, the lemonade mix is important. It adds a subtle brightness and acidity that balances the earthy flavors of the beans and prevents the soup from tasting dull.

Q: What if I don’t have beef bouillon granules?
A: You can substitute with a comparable amount of vegetable bouillon granules for a vegetarian/vegan option, or use a good quality bouillon cube dissolved in a small amount of hot water.

A Jar Full of Comfort

This Rainbow Bean Soup Mix is more than just a recipe; it’s a vessel for connection and warmth. Whether you’re crafting it for a neighbor, a friend going through a tough time, or simply for your own pantry, the act of assembling these vibrant layers is a therapeutic and rewarding process. The resulting soup is a deeply satisfying, nourishing meal that tastes like home. So, gather your beans, layer them with care, and share the delicious anticipation. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.