Edible Gift In A Jar: Vegetarian Five Bean Soup Mix

When hosting a dinner party have you ever thought of giving your guests a thank you gift for coming? It is certainly not something you would want or need to do every time you have company but it’s nice for special occasions. Often times when you think of edible gifts (if you’re like me) you immediately think of sugar loaded treats. Am I right? Cookie mixes. Brownie mixes. You get the idea. I wanted to give my dinner guests a great healthy alternative that they could save and use for a time when they need it that would be nutrient packed, healthy and delicious. Back in January I was invited to attend a Pulses Culinary Immersion at CIA Greystone (Napa). I learned all about pulses (dry peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas). Did you know that the United Nations has declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses? So what are Pulses… I’m sure you’re still confused.

Pulses are the edible dry seeds of legumes, including dry (whole or split) peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. According to a 2015 study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, women who eat pulses at least twice a week are 24% less likely to develop breast cancer. Another study in The New England Journal of Medicine on people who ate pulses at least three times per week showed a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, and cognitive decline than a standard low-fat control diet. While many other superfoods (like quinoa, pomegranates, or acai berries) can be expensive or hard to find out of season, pulses are available year-round, inexpensive and better for the environment than almost any other food group. Pretty amazing right? Pulses are so nutrient-dense that they are considered both a protein and a vegetable, and their dried, shelf-stable form makes them a valuable food source in food deserts, where fresh produce isn’t readily available or would go to waste along the distribution chain!

Because of all of the goodness packed within these beans this Vegetarian Five Bean Soup Mix is the perfect gift. In making and giving this to friends and family I know that I can offer them something different than your traditional gift. Something a little more meaningful. When I remembered that I had these mini ziplock baggies I knew they would be perfect. I gathered all of my spices on my IKEA SKOGSTA chopping board ($5.99) and layered my bean mix into six IKEA KORKEN clear glass jars with lid ($2.49 each). It came together so beautifully and was the perfect addition to the table. 

Vegetarian Five Bean Soup Mix

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Vegetarian Five Bean Soup Mix

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 1076 kcal

Author: Yvonne

If you're in need of a great healthy edible gift, this Vegetarian Five Bean Soup Mix is perfect! All your recipient needs to add is a can of diced tomatoes and some water. Doesn't get any easier than that! Great for holidays, dinner parties, or any other celebration needing a wonderful & thoughtful gift!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb. pinto beans
• 1 lb. split green peas
• 1 lb. great northern beans
• 1 lb. black beans
• 1 lb. kidney beans
• 1 tbps. black pepper
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. dry mustard
• 2 tbsp. minced dried onions
• 2 tbsp. sea salt
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 tbsp.dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 8 bay leaves
• 4 vegetable bouillon cubes

MATERIALS

• 4 IKEA KORKEN clear glass jars with lid
• Small ziplock baggies
• Labels

Instructions

1. In each of the four IKEA KORKEN clear glass jars with lid, layer 2/3 cup of pinto beans, shaking the jar gently to level the beans. Repeat with 2/3 cup of green peas and so on ending with the kidney beans. Set jars aside. 

2. In a small bowl, combine all spices except bay leaves and bouillon cubes. In a small ziploc baggie, spoon 3 tablespoons of the spice mixture. Place two bay leaves and one bouillon cube on top. Repeat three more times to create four total baggies. Place the packets into the top space of each of the four bean jars. Place lids on jars and wrap with a ribbon and label as desired.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from Back To Her Roots

Nutrition Facts

Vegetarian Five Bean Soup Mix

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1076 Calories from Fat 54

% Daily Value*

Fat 6g9%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 3577mg156%

Potassium 3241mg93%

Carbohydrates 191g64%

Fiber 69g288%

Sugar 13g14%

Protein 71g142%

Vitamin A 2025IU41%

Vitamin C 12.4mg15%

Calcium 321mg32%

Iron 17.8mg99%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*A very special thank you to IKEA Draper who generously provided the product used in this blogpost series. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.