Country Bean Soup
I like to give this mix as a gift, layering the beans in a clear pint jar and attaching the soup directions with a festive ribbon. You'll find it's perfect to serve year-round.40 ServingsPrep: 25 min. Cook: 3-1/4 hours
Ingredients
- 1 cup each dried black beans, dried yellow split peas, dried green split peas, dried black-eyed peas, dried pinto beans, dried kidney beans, dried great northern beans and dried lentils
- ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 1/2 pound)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/2 quarts water
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Directions
- Sort beans, peas and lentils; combine in a large bowl. Divide into
- four equal batches, 2 cups each. Store in airtight containers in a
- cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 4 batches.
- To make one batch of soup: Rinse bean mixture with cold water. Place
- in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil;
- boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1
- to 4 hours or until beans are softened.
- Drain and rinse bean mixture, discarding liquid. Return bean mixture