Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar Recipe

A jar of layered soup mix is one of those gifts that looks beautiful on the counter and actually gets used. This Friendship Soup Mix layers split peas, lentils, barley, rice, and pasta in a mason jar, then becomes a hearty ground beef and tomato soup when your recipient is ready to cook. It’s an Amish-inspired recipe that doubles as a practical, personal gift for Christmas, housewarmings, last minute gifts, or any occasion. The assembly takes about 10 minutes to make a delicious soup, and the finished jars keep on the shelf for months.

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Amish friendship recipes are designed to be shared. The idea is to prepare something in a form that others can take home and make in their own kitchens, passing along both the food and the method. The friendship soup mix jar is one of the most popular expressions of this tradition: all the dry ingredients are measured, layered, and ready to go, with just a few fresh additions needed on the recipient’s end.

The visual appeal of the layered jar is part of what makes it such a great gift. Each ingredient sits in a distinct band of color and texture, from the pale green split peas at the base to the small pasta at the top, making the jar look considered and handmade even though it takes only minutes to assemble

Why this recipe works

Because all the ingredients in the jar are dry, they store well at room temperature without any refrigeration until the recipient is ready to cook. That makes this a gift with a long shelf life and real flexibility.

The specific layering order matters for both presentation and function. Placing the bouillon granules above the split peas, rather than at the bottom, keeps them from drawing moisture from below and turning solid and difficult to remove. Wrapping the pasta separately and setting it on top makes it easy to set aside during the long simmer, then add at the end, so it doesn’t turn mushy.

The combination of split peas, lentils, and barley creates a naturally thick, protein-rich broth base without the need for a flour thickener. By the time the soup is done simmering, the legumes have broken down slightly, giving the broth a satisfying, hearty body.

Ingredients for the Soup Mix in a Jar

Layer this pretty soup mix in glass Mason jars to give as gifts to your family and friends who love to cook. Here’s what you need, listed in the order of placing the ingredients in the jar:

For the Soup Mix in a Jar (listed in layering order):

• Dry split peas – Provide protein and create a hearty base for the soup
• Beef bouillon granules – Add rich, savory flavor throughout the soup
• Pearl barley – Contributes chewy texture and nutty flavor
• Dry lentils – Offer protein and an earthy taste to the mix
• Dried minced onion – Provides aromatic flavor base when rehydrated
• Italian seasoning – Adds an herb blend for Mediterranean flavor notes
• Long-grain rice – Creates a filling substance and absorbs flavors well
• Macaroni pasta – Gives the soup a classic comfort food appeal

How to Make Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

1. Measure out the ingredients.
2. Use a canning funnel to pour each ingredient into a mason jar, and use a long spoon or gently tap the jar on the counter to level out each layer.
3. Seal the jar with a lid.

Tips for Filling the Jars

• Wrap the pasta in plastic wrap and place it on top of the ingredients in the jar. This makes it easier to remove it when making the soup.
• Don’t put the bouillon granules at the bottom of the jar. They may absorb some moisture from the other ingredients and become rock-solid, stuck to the bottom of the jar. 

Additional Ingredients Needed to Make the Soup:

• Ground beef – Provides hearty protein for the finished soup
• Diced tomatoes – Add acidity and rich tomato flavor to balance the soup
• Water – Forms the liquid base that brings all ingredients together

How to Make Friendship Soup

Once you have your dried soup mix, this will be one of the easiest and tastiest soups you will ever make. Here’s what you do:

1. Set aside the macaroni from the top of the jar.
2. Brown the beef in a large pot or Dutch oven, drain off the grease, and return the beef to the pot.
3. Add the water, tomatoes, and soup mix, bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Add the macaroni and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

CopyKat Tip: You may find the split peas don’t soften enough. If you don’t care for crunchy split peas, you may choose to pre-cook them.

Friendship Soup Variations

One of the great things about this Amish friendship soup recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations.

• Add any vegetables you want, e.g., carrots, celery, peas, etc.
• Add some spices or a couple of bay leaves.
• Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground lamb.
• Substitute the pasta with uncooked white rice or brown rice.
• Substitute the macaroni with other small uncooked pasta, such as ditalini or orzo.
• Substitute beef broth for water for a richer-tasting soup.
• Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or cream cheese make good toppers.
• You can also add some beans to your dry soup mix to create friendship bean soup in a jar.

What You Can Serve With Friendship Soup

This friendship soup recipe makes a very filling soup. Serve it with a green salad and homemade dinner rolls – yummy!

Or, serve this lovely soup with some delicious sandwiches for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Favorite Soup Recipes

• Black Bean Soup
• Cheeseburger Soup
• Easy Clam Chowder
• Homemade Potato Soup
• Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
• Taco Soup

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Check out my easy soup recipes and the best DIY recipes on CopyKat!