Six Bean Soup Mix

This is really a Gift in a Jar idea.

The thing is that it can be a gift 

for someone else or for yourself.

I like to make up three or four at a time

for our own use.

These are wonderful both to give and to receive.

It's something that saves time

and can be used up.

Six-Bean Soup Mix

1/2 cup each (dried):

red beans

navy beans

pinto beans

lima beans

kidney beans

Great Northern beans

Then in a small zip-lock bag:

2 bay leaves

2 Tbl. dried minced onion

1 Tbl. dried parsley

1 tsp. dried minced garlic

1 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

And on top:

1 beef bouillon cube

1 vegetable bouillon cube 

Then for cooking:

1 can diced tomatoes

1-2 lbs. cubed ham, bacon, or sausage

To cook, remove seasoning packet & bouillon cubes.

Place beans in large pot with seven or eight cups water.

Let soak overnight.

Bring beans to a boil - let boil 2-3 min.

Remove from heat and let sit 15-20 min.

Pour off water.

Add 5-6 cups water, spices, bouillon, diced tomatos, and meat.

Now you can either bring it to a boil then reduce heat

and simmer for an hour and a half to two hours,

or my favorite...

Put it all in a crock pot or Dutch oven with low heat and leave it alone

until dinner time.

This is one of the ways I use up left-over ham.

Mr. LB loves it and even likes to have them reheated for a second meal.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches