Gratitude Soup Mix

So it’s November.  The unofficial start to all things holidays and warp-speed schedules.

What if you could give the gift of a night off from cooking to a friend, neighbor, family member, or yourself?!

This simple soup mix can be put together in minutes, and then given as a holiday gift—–along with a quart of broth and a jar of marinara, so they literally have everything they need to put dinner on the table.

Here’s a hint:  when you assemble jars for others, make a jar or two for yourself as well!

Gratitude Soup

⅔ cup brown lentils
⅓ cup of dried split pea
⅔ cup red lentils
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

To make:

Simply layer each ingredient in order to fill the jar.  Close the lid tightly.

To use:

Empty the contents of the jar into a slow cooker, fill the jar to the top with water and add the water to the slow cooker as well.  Next, add an approximately 28-ounce jar of marinara, and 1 quart (4 cups) of broth.

Cook on high for 6-8 hours.  Check in the last hour or so, as you may want to add more water if the soup becomes thick.  For every cup of extra water, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Optional add-ins:  1 pound of cooked Italian sausage, browned ground meat or turkey, or 2 cups of chopped ham.  Artichoke hearts also taste lovely in this soup.

To serve:  you may top with a bit of parmesan cheese, a drizzle of balsamic, and some fresh basil if you wish.  Or get creative and use your own combination of flavors!

Serves 6.