Soup Gift Jar Recipe π
Overview:
This quart jar of soup ingredients is a personal and inexpensive gift to give to a casual friend or neighbor. It’s a delightful way to spread warmth and comfort, especially during the festive Christmas season. You can use the same premise for the dry ingredients in cookies, brownies, and more, making it versatile for various occasions. With just a few simple steps, you can create a thoughtful present that will be appreciated and enjoyed by anyone who receives it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup barley
- 1/4 cup lentils
- 1/2 cup long grain rice
- 1/4 cup macaroni
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 1/2 cup dried vegetables (optional)
- 1 packet soup seasoning mix (optional)
- 4 cups water (to prepare the soup)
- 1 pound ground round (to be added when cooking)
- Additional vegetables or tomatoes for flavor (optional)
Instructions:
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Layer Ingredients: Begin by layering the dry ingredients in a quart jar in the order given. This creates a visually appealing presentation and ensures that each component is evenly distributed.
- Start with a base layer of elbow macaroni, followed by barley, lentils, long grain rice, and macaroni.
- Add the bouillon cubes to infuse rich flavor into the soup.
- Optionally, include dried vegetables or a packet of soup seasoning mix for added taste and nutrition.
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Attach Note: Next, attach a heartfelt note to the jar. The note should provide instructions on how to prepare the soup and convey a warm message to the recipient. Here’s a suggestion for what the note could say:
“When you are in a hurry for a good meal, here is a good deal:
Take 1 pound of ground round and fry until browned.
Without haste or waste, add 14 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Add the contents of this jar and cook until tender, seasoning to taste.
Feel free to add vegetables or tomatoes for extra flavor.
And when you enjoy this meal, remember you are loved.” -
Cooking Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to prepare the soup using the ingredients in the jar. This ensures that the recipient can easily whip up a delicious and satisfying meal whenever they desire.
- In a large pot, brown 1 pound of ground round over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Once the ground round is browned, add 14 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Carefully pour the contents of the jar into the pot, ensuring that all ingredients are submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ingredients are tender and fully cooked.
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs to taste.
- For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding fresh or canned vegetables, such as carrots, celery, tomatoes, or spinach.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve piping hot. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired. Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 2964.9
- Fat Content: 98.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 36.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 323.3mg
- Sodium Content: 2891.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 359g
- Fiber Content: 50.1g
- Sugar Content: 23.4g
- Protein Content: 154.2g
Yield:
- Makes 1 gift (quart jar of soup ingredients)
Tips:
- Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, or peas.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Consider doubling or tripling the recipe to create multiple gift jars to share with friends and family.
- Decorate the jar with festive ribbons, tags, or labels to make it even more special.
- Include a printed copy of the recipe along with the gift jar so that the recipient can recreate the soup whenever they like.
