This hearty bean soup mix is shelf stable and makes an excellent addition to a gourmet gift basket
Multiply the ingredients as needed to accommodate the number of gifts you wish to give.
3 tablespoons lima beans
3 tablespoons red kidney beans
3 tablespoons great northern beans
2 tablespoons split peas
2 tablespoons white beans
2 tablespoons lentils
2 tablespoons black-eyed peas
2 tablespoons pinto beans
2 tablespoons garbanzo beans
2 tablespoons navy beans
2 tablespoons black turtle beans
Spices
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped dried onions
1 teaspoon dried bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
To make the soup mix, combine the beans and place in plastic bag.
Bags that are decorated for holidays can be found in craft shops.
Place the spices in a small plastic bag. Very small ziplock bags
can also be found in craft shops.
Include the following recipe:
Calico Bean Soup Package of beans
Packet of spices Ham bone
1 ham hock or 1/2 pound of ham*
2 quarts of water
1 large onion, chopped
1 28 ounce can of tomatoes
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
*If desired, omit ham and substitute beef, chicken, or vegetable stock for the cooking water.
Wash beans thoroughly. Place in a large kettle, cover with water
and soak overnight. (An alternate method is to bring beans and
water to a boil, remove from heat, and cover and let stand for 1
hour .) Next drain beans and add 2 quarts of new water and ham or
ham hock (or use broth if omitting ham). Simmer slowly for 2-1/2
to 3 hours. Then add spice packet, onion, tomatoes (undrained),
lemon juice and salt to taste (spice packet contains no salt).
Simmer another 30 minutes or until beans are tender. Take ham
from soup. Remove any bits of ham from bone and return to soup.
If using boneless ham, cut into bite-size pieces and return to
soup. Serve.
Substitute beans freely; use anasazi beans, pink beans, red
beans, etc. There should be approximately 1 pound of beans in
all.
