2-1/2 cups lentils (16 ounce package)
2-1/2 cups pearl barley (16 ounce package)
2 cups alphabet macaroni (8 ounce package) or brown rice
1 cup dried onion flakes (two 3/8 ounce packages)
1/2 cup celery flakes (1 3/8 ounce package)
1/2 cup parsley flakes (1-1/4 ounce package)
Optional:
1-1/2 teaspoons thyme
1-1/2 teaspoons white pepper
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Stir before using. Makes 10 cups of mix.
Cooking Instructions:
Stir contents of jar before using. Combine 1 cup of soup mix with 4 cups of water or seasoned stock in large pan. Add 1 cup of cooked chopped meat, if desired. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover pan. Simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes, or until peas are tender. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, if desired.
Minestrone Variation:
Combine 1 cup of soup mix with a 16 ounce can of stewed tomatoes, 2 to 3 cups of water or stock, 1 chopped carrot, 1 to 2 chopped potatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon basil (optional: 1 clove minced garlic). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover pan. Simmer 45 to 60 minutes or until peas are tender. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, if desired.
For a nice gift.....Divide the soup mix into desired amounts and put in nice jars. Print the cooking instructions on a nice card.