Palouse Soup Mix
A hearty, comforting soup blend featuring split peas, lentils, barley, and macaroni, perfect for a nutritious meal suited to all tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix one cup of the soup mix with 4 cups of water or seasoned stock in a large pan.
- Add one cup of cooked chopped meat, if desired.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer gently for 45 minutes or until peas are tender.
- It may take longer at high altitudes or in hard water areas.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Palouse Soup Mix, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking. If you don’t have pearl barley, quinoa or brown rice can be great substitutes. For a vegetarian option, omit meat and increase the amount of lentils. You can also experiment with adding diced carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Palouse Soup Mix with crusty bread or a side salad for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Or Cold Macaroni Salad for a hearty lunch. For added texture, top each bowl with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of cheese can also enhance the dish's richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if necessary. This soup also freezes well; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Palouse Soup Mix contains roughly 16 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Palouse Soup Mix in a slow cooker. Combine the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the cooked meat towards the end of cooking to heat through.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The traditional recipe includes pearl barley, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the barley with quinoa or omit it altogether, adjusting the liquid as necessary. The soup will still be hearty and delicious!
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times, as softer vegetables may need less time to cook. This is a great way to make the soup even more wholesome.
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).