Soup In A Jar - Family Bean Soup

No, you don't use this many different beans -- and it would have been nice to have a photograph of the quart jar that I used for the gifts, but this last took place in 2005.  I was asked for the "recipe" today and discovered it wasn't out here on the website!  When I do it again, I'll put a picture of the real thing.

My daughters and I made dozens of jars in 2005. We actually had an assembly line going and had a great time filling the jars.  We cut circles of Christmas-themed material and placed them over the tops of the jars, tied with a quick bow.

Yes, we tested the recipe -- Beloved Husband and I used ham with ours and the diced tomatoes were flavored with garlic and onion.  Really good stuff!!  Here's the original recipe:


Family Bean Soup In A Jar  (Christmas 2005)

We used Beans to fill quart jars, leaving room for the dry ingredient packet:

Black, Red, Kidney, Navy, Great Northern, Baby Lima, Large Lima, Pinto
Green split peas, Black-eyed peas
Green and brown lentils.
Add to or delete from list to family's taste or availability of beans.

Seasoning Packet – dry ingredients – one per quart jar.
Place a bay leaf in jar to where it can be seen, other ingredients in snack packet and place in top of jar:
1 bay leaf
¼ cup minced onion
¼ cup parsley
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon celery salt

Recipe (Type instructions that must be included with jar):

Soak beans, overnight if possible.
Drain and add six cups water, seasoning packet, two cans of stewed tomatoes (your choice of canned flavors).
Meat – if desired (ham, beef, chicken, sausage, chicken – your choice as to amount)
Bring to a boil over medium high heat.  Reduce to low, cover and simmer one hour.
Add 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.
Continue to simmer 1 hour or until beans are tender.
Remove bay leaf before serving.