Ingredients:

• 2 cups instant minced onion, divided
• 6 cups dried small red beans, divided
• 2-2/3 cups dried lentils, divided
• 1-1/3 cups dried white navy beans, divided
• 1-1/3 cups dried yellow split peas, divided
• 4 cups uncooked brown rice, divided
• 1/4 cup dried crushed basil leaves, divided
• 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger, divided
• 4 bay leaves

Directions:

• Toast minced onion in non-stick skillet, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat until light brown. Remove onion from skillet; cool. In each of 4 one-quart jars, layer the following: 1/2 cup red beans, 1/3 cup lentils, 1/3 cup navy beans, 1/2 cup red beans, 1/3 cup lentils, 1/2 cup split peas, and 1/2 cup red beans. In each of 4 zip-top plastic bags, place the following: 1/2 cup toasted onion, 1 tablespoon basil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 bay leaf. Place 1 spice-filled plastic bag in each jar, on top of red beans. Place 1 cup rice in each of 4 zip-top plastic bags and place in jars, on top of spices. Cover with jar lids. Makes 4 soup mixes.

Soup Preparation Instructions

• Preparation instructions: Remove rice and spices from jar. Wash beans and combine with 9 cups water in Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Return beans to saucepan and add rice, 12 cups chicken broth, and spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour or until beans and rice are tender. Garnish each serving with sliced green onions, if desired. Makes 6 servings.

Notes:

Make Your Own Rice Mixes Great Gifts Great Time Saver

Creative Packaging Ideas for Rice Mixes

Just as fun as making rice mixes, is selecting pretty containers to hold them.  Here are some simple and creative ways to package rice mixes.  After you have filled the container, attach a label, instructions for preparing the mix, and a recipe for making more.

• Brown lunch sack – Place rice mix in zip-top plastic bag and place inside brown lunch sack with recipe card. Fold down the top of the sack and tie with plaid ribbon and a sprig of holly.
• Decorative tin – For a quick packaging solution, place rice mix and recipe card in a decorative tin. Trim with ribbon and bow.
• Glass jar – Place rice mix in a beautiful glass jar. Trim with pinecones, evergreen twigs or tiny ornaments, and recipe card.
• Cellophane bag – Place rice mix in a cellophane bag. Trim with gold ribbon and recipe card.
• Canning jar – Place rice mix in a canning jar. Trim with ribbon, a wooden spoon, and recipe card.
• Chinese “to go” carton – Place rice mix in zip-top plastic bag and place inside a Chinese “to go” carton with recipe card. Adorn with ribbon, evergreen or tiny ornaments.
• Cloth bag – Place rice mix in zip-top plastic bag. Place plastic bag into homemade cloth bag and trim with twine or ribbon and recipe card.  To make bag: fold 11 ½” x 11 ½” fabric in half.   With a ½” seam allowance, sew one short side and remaining long side.  Turn right side out.  Trim unfinished edge with pinking shears.  Punch hole in recipe card.  Thread twine or ribbon through hole in card and tie bow around the top of the bag.