Bean-Pasta Soup Mix
A hearty bean-pasta soup mix combining savory herbs, dried beans, and small shell pasta, perfect for cozy meals and gift-giving to friends and family.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dried onion flakes ⓘ
- 2 (1/2 oz.) jars dried celery flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
- 2 (2 1/4 oz.) jars beef-flavored bouillon granules
- 16 oz. dried black-eyed peas
- 16 oz. dried black beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. dried navy beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. dried kidney beans ⓘ
- 16 oz. small shell pasta
Instructions
- Combine the first seven ingredients (dried onion flakes, dried celery flakes, dried parsley flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, coarsely ground pepper); divide evenly and place in 6 airtight plastic bags.
- Add 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon of beef-flavored bouillon granules to each package.
- Label each as "Herb Mix" and seal.
- Combine black-eyed peas, dried black beans, dried navy beans, and dried kidney beans; divide evenly and place in 6 airtight plastic bags.
- Label each as "Bean Mix" and seal.
- Place 1/3 cup of small shell pasta into 6 airtight plastic bags and seal.
- Label each as "Pasta".
- Place 1 bag of herb mix, 1 bag of bean mix, and 1 bag of pasta in each gift container; repeat to make remaining sets.
- Yield: 6 gift sets, each containing 3 bags.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting fresh herbs for dried ones, if available. Fresh parsley and basil can enhance the taste significantly. Additionally, you can include other dried beans like pinto or cannellini beans in the mix. Always check the expiration date on bouillon granules for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Bean-Pasta Soup pairs beautifully with homemade cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve with a side of Italian Spice roasted vegetables. Garnish the soup with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the prepared soup mix in a cool, dry place in airtight containers. If you've made the soup, leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, add the soup to a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water may help to loosen the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bean-Pasta Soup Mix contains roughly 643 calories, with 35g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), iron (122% of the Daily Value), and protein (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 42g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can substitute canned beans for dried beans to save time. Use about 4 cans of beans, rinsed and drained. Add them to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they're heated through without becoming mushy.
How do I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make the soup vegetarian or vegan, replace the beef-flavored bouillon with vegetable broth or bouillon cubes. This will maintain the flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. You can also enhance the umami flavor with additional spices like smoked paprika.
What can I do if I want a spicier soup?
If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the herb mix. You can also serve the finished soup with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to adjust the heat to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).