Calico Soup Mix

Name: Calico Soup Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: BEAN MIX:; 1-1/2 cups each dried lentils, baby lima beans, yellow split peas, red kidney beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, green split peas and navy beans; ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):; 2-1/4 quarts water; 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 medium green pepper, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon each dried marjoram, oregano, parsley flakes and Italian seasoning

Loaded with beans of all shapes and sizes, this colorful combination cooks up into a satisfying soup that;ll stand by itself or serve as a side dish. Pens Rhonda Letendre from Epsom, New Hampshire, "Not only do I give the mix away as a gift, I keep it on hand to make for my family, too. They love it!"

Ingredients

BEAN MIX:
1-1/2 cups each dried lentils, baby lima beans, yellow split peas, red kidney beans, great northern beans, pinto beans, green split peas and navy beans
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch):
2-1/4 quarts water
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon each dried marjoram, oregano, parsley flakes and Italian seasoning

Directions

In a large bowl, combine beans; divide into six batches (2 cups each). Store in airtight containers. Yield: 6 batches (12 cups total).
To prepare soup: Place one batch of bean mix in a Dutch oven or soup kettle; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
Drain. Add 2-1/4 qts. water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender. Add ham, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, garlic and seasonings; return to boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 45-50 minutes.

Originally published as Calico Soup Mix in Crafting Traditions September/October 1998