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If you’re looking for a homemade gift that’s useful, inexpensive, and a little more special than another store-bought gift basket, try making Seven Bean Soup Mix in a Jar.
The colorful layers of beans make this soup mix beautiful enough to give as a gift, and once the recipient is ready to use it, they have everything they need to make a hearty pot of homemade soup.
This would make a wonderful Christmas gift, neighbor gift, teacher gift, hostess gift, or care package.
What You Need
For each large mason jar, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup dried kidney beans
- 1/2 cup dried black beans
- 1/2 cup dried navy beans
- 1/2 cup dried pinto beans
- 1/2 cup dried great northern beans
- 1/2 cup dried split peas
- 1/2 cup dried lentils
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
You’ll also need:
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- 1 large mason jar with a lid
- Ribbon or twine
- A gift tag or recipe card
The jar size may vary depending on how much of each ingredient you use.
How to Make Seven Bean Soup Mix
1. Layer the beans
Make sure your beans and lentils are clean and completely dry.
Carefully layer the seven different types of beans into the mason jar. The different colors make this gift especially pretty, so take your time with the layers.
A canning funnel can make this much easier and less messy.
2. Add the seasonings
Combine the dried onion, garlic powder, parsley, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Place the seasoning mixture in a small bag and tuck it into the top of the jar.
You can also place the seasonings in a small bag attached to the outside of the jar with the recipe instructions.
3. Seal and decorate
Put the lid on the jar and decorate it with ribbon, twine, or a little piece of fabric.
Add a gift tag with the cooking instructions so the recipient knows exactly how to turn the jar of beans into soup.
Cooking Instructions
To make the soup:
Remove the seasoning packet and rinse the beans.
Place the beans in a large pot and cover with water. Let them soak according to your preferred method, then drain and rinse.
Return the beans to the pot and add fresh water.
Add the seasoning packet and simmer until the beans are tender.
You can also add diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, sausage, ham, or other ingredients to customize the soup.
Cooking time will vary depending on the beans and soaking method, so cook until all of the beans are tender.
I love gifts like this because they’re simple without feeling impersonal.
The colorful beans look beautiful layered in the jar, and the recipient gets something they can actually use to make dinner.
Add a loaf of homemade bread or a cute soup bowl, and you have an easy homemade gift basket.
This would be especially nice for:
- Christmas gifts
- Neighbor gifts
- Teacher gifts
- Hostess gifts
- Coworker gifts
- Care packages
- New homeowner gifts
- Homemade gift baskets
You can make several jars at once, too. Line them up on the counter, layer the beans, add the seasoning packets, and decorate them all together.
It’s an easy way to get several homemade Christmas gifts ready without spending a fortune.
More Homemade Gift Ideas
If you enjoy making thoughtful gifts at home, you might also like my Mason Jar Hot Chocolate Mix. It’s another simple homemade gift that’s inexpensive to put together and perfect for the holiday season.
Homemade gifts don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes a jar of ingredients, a pretty ribbon, and a
handwritten recipe are all you need to give someone something they’ll really appreciate.
Follow my simple homemade living board on Pinterest.
