Soup in a Jar Mix Recipes

Soup in a Jar Mixes are a frugal yet flavorful way to stockpile the pantry with the beginnings of an easy, wholesome meal that will warm up the family on blustery winter nights. Just add the contents of each jar to a stock pot, with a few extra ingredients, and voilà – you have “almost” instant soup! These soup starters are also well-received as thoughtful holiday or hostess gifts, layered up in pretty glass jars and tied up with a ribbon and gift label. Today, I’m sharing one more soup mix idea that can be meal prepped in minutes Garlicky Herbed Potato Soup Mix.

In the Soup in a Jar Mixes, I’ve relied on various freeze-dried herb blends from Litehouse Foods including the Italian Herb Blend, Poultry Herb Blend and Guacamole Herb Blend. These pantry staples add quick flavor to my meals and I appreciate the elimination of food waste (no more rotting fresh herbs in my fridge) and how the various herbs and spices in each blend are pre-portioned in the perfect ratio to remove the guesswork (and labor) of measuring out numerous of ingredients individually.

Glass canning jars, sealable plastic containers and even zip-top baggies will work for these Soup in a Jar Mixes – however, with the latter, the attractive ingredient layering will not be possible. To be Earth-friendly, I’ve chosen to use used Litehouse Dressing jars. These 13-ounce jars are easy to prep for reuse after the dressing inside has been used. Simply peel off the removable label from the jar (stick in the microwave for 3 seconds to warm the adhesive, if needed) and use a butter knife to pop out and discard the disposable liner that sits in the top of the lid. Run the jar and lid through the dishwasher and let completely dry before adding soup mix ingredients.

Vegan Italian Bean & Lentil Soup: This hearty, colorful soup is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets with a medley of white beans, red lentils, green split peas and vegetable bouillon. Litehouse Italian Herb Blend adds that signature old-world flavor featuring basil, oregano, garlic, red onion, red pepper, marjoram, rosemary and sage that are freeze-dried to optimize flavor.  To prepare the soup, all that is required is water and a can of petite-diced tomatoes.

Black Bean & Quinoa Chili Starter (for Beef): This stick-to-your ribs chili starter features the plant power of black beans, quinoa and freeze-dried veggies to balance with beef bouillon and ground beef that is added in later during meal-time preparation, along with a can of tomato sauce.  Not just for avocados, the Litehouse Guacamole Herb Blend, adds amazing southwestern flavor thanks to red onions, cilantro, lemon peel, tomato, red chili, garlic, and cumin seasonings.

Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup (for Chicken): This comforting, classic soup is a family favorite and workable with gluten-free diets thanks to rice noodles. “Nests” of dry rice noodles are stuffed into jars long with dried lemon peel, chicken bouillon and Litehouse Poultry Herb Blend, featuring onion, thyme, sage, marjoram, spring onions, garlic and rosemary. To prepare, add chopped shredded chicken or leftover holiday and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.