Disclosure: I am serving as a Brand Ambassador for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board this year helping to share the story of our Arkansas soybean farmers and producers. All opinions are my own. #ARSoyStory
Do you ever get in a royal tizzy trying to get all of your “Christmasey” act together? I know I sure do even though I try my hardest not to let that happen, but sometimes it just does.
We really love sharing goodies with our friends and neighbors. You probably remember the story of Gary’s Favorite Pumpkin Bread.
We still do that…and enjoy passing out those loaves immensely.
But sometimes I like to switch things up a tad with a little Christmas cheer that can be enjoyed later at the recipient’s pleasure. But nothing beats homemade – it just doesn’t all have to be made from scratch by YOU!
This Savory Bean Soup is so easy to put together, and it is a super way to get your children or grandchildren involved. It takes no time to put several jars (or bags if you’d rather) together. Dress them up with a bit of colorful cloth and ribbon or trim and you’re good to go.
I especially like the addition of soybeans to this mix. Soybeans are mainly composed of protein; one cup of soybeans contains around 29 grams of protein. They are also rich in soy fat from which we get soybean oil. Soybean oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels and to promote healthy skin. (healthline.com). Soybean oil is excellent for cooking. In fact, if you’re using vegetable oil, then more than likely, you’re using soybean oil.
So, give yourself a break, Make up a batch or two of this Savory Bean Soup. It’s easy, inexpensive and…eventually…delicious. Packaged up with some cornbread mix and a can of tomatoes and maybe some Petit Jean Meats smoked sausage, it’ll be a very welcomed gift.
Savory Bean Soup
Notes
I usually prepare this in the slow cooker (or even now in my Instant Pot). When I do, I do not soak the beans. I simply rinse them and cover they with the water and tomatoes. I typically will cook them about 6 hours on HIGH. (Follow directions for pressure cooking in the Instant Pot.). If desired, add smoked sausage or ham during the last hour of cooking
Ingredients
- 1 pound pinto beans
- 1 pound split green peas
- 1 pound soybeans
- 1 pound red or kidney beans
- 1 pound black beans
- 1 pound baby lima or great northern beans
- 1 Tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons dehydrated onions
- 2 Tablespoons salt
- 4 bouillon cubes
- 4 bay leaves
- 4 quart wide mouth canning jars with lids (see Note)
- Snack zipper bags
- In each canning jar, layer approximately 2/3 cup of each bean, keeping layers even by gently shaking to settle.
- In a small bowl, whisk all spices except bay leaves. Spoon 3 Tablespoons of spice mixture into each snack bag. Add in 1 bay leaf and 1 bouillon cube per bag. Seal and place 1 bay in each bean jar.
- Decorate as desired. Include a copy of the preparation directions with each jar.
- Note: I prefer to use pint and 1/2 jars because I think that makes a generous amount of soup. I do increase the amount of spices by 1/2 and add an additional bay leaf and bouillon cube.
Instructions
Gifts From the Kitchen
Be sure to watch THV!! This Morning on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 5:50 when I’ll be sharing these and other ideas for Easy Gifts From the Kitchen.
