Are you looking for a thoughtful and delicious gift to share with friends and family? Or perhaps a quick and easy healthy meal for a busy weeknight? Look no further! This Friendship Soup in a Jar recipe is the perfect solution. Not only is it incredibly flavorful and packed with goodness, but it’s also a fun and unique way to give a little love (and a lot of deliciousness). This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, offering a simple, step-by-step guide to creating a homemade masterpiece. It’s one of those easy recipes that consistently delivers delicious results, making it a staple in our healthy meal rotation.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes six servings, easily adaptable to your needs.
- 1 cup dried small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup dried lentils, brown or green
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 (1-pint) mason jars, sterilized
Instructions:
Get started: Before you begin, sterilize your mason jars by washing them thoroughly in hot, soapy water, rinsing well, and then placing them in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes. This ensures your soup stays fresh and safe.
Layer the ingredients: This is the fun part! Carefully layer the dry ingredients into each jar, in this order:
- Pasta
- Lentils
- Rice
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Add the oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into each jar.
Seal and label: Once all the ingredients are in, seal the jars tightly with lids and rings. Write "Friendship Soup" and the date on the label.
Cooking Instructions (for recipient):
- Combine: Empty the contents of one jar into a large pot.
- Add water: Add 6 cups of water to the pot.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the pasta and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Enjoy your warm and hearty Friendship Soup!
Tips for the Perfect Friendship Soup:
- Customize your flavors: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can easily add some cooked sausage or chicken for a heartier option.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta and lentils used. Check for doneness before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 10-12g
This Friendship Soup in a Jar is not only a delicious meal but also a thoughtful gift showing your care. It's easy to prepare, incredibly versatile, and makes a wonderful present for friends, family, neighbors or even teachers. It's a recipe that truly embodies the spirit of friendship, sharing warmth and deliciousness one jar at a time. Try it – you won't regret it!