Confetti Bean Soup Mix

Name: Confetti Bean Soup Mix
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 9 servings (2-1/4 quarts) per batch.
Ingredients: 1 pound each dried navy beans, great northern beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans and green split peas; SEASONING MIX:; 12 beef bouillon cubes; 3/4 cup dried minced chives; 4 teaspoons dried savory; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper; 4 bay leaves; ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR SOUP:; 12 cups water, divided; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional

With its colorful variety of beans and delicious flavor, this soup is tempting. I like to give it to friends each Christmas. —Rebecca Lambert, Staunton, Virginia

Ingredients

1 pound each dried navy beans, great northern beans, red kidney beans, pinto beans and green split peas
SEASONING MIX:
12 beef bouillon cubes
3/4 cup dried minced chives
4 teaspoons dried savory
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
4 bay leaves
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR SOUP:
12 cups water, divided
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, optional

Directions

Combine beans and peas; place 3 cups in each of four large resealable plastic bags or glass jars. Set aside.
In each of four snack-size resealable plastic bags, place three bouillon cubes, 3 tablespoons chives, 1 teaspoon savory, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and one bay leaf. Seal bags. Yield: 4 batches.
To prepare soup: Place contents of one bag of beans in a Dutch oven; add 7 cups water. Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
Drain beans and discard liquid. Add remaining water and contents of one seasoning bag. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
Add tomatoes, salt and, if desired, pepper sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf.