This book is packed full of thrifty, natural pantry meals. I am testing and adapting them as I go, this recipe is actually mainly created by myself, only inspired by the book as it does not contain a Minestrone Soup.... it is so delicious, you will be amazed!
When I do my bulk cooking I like to start with a totally clean kitchen and pile everything up I may need for my recipe. In this case I used 4 of the big canning jars to assemble my soup.. as well as 2 baggies per jar. Don't worry, you can re-use the baggies when done, making this recipe totally waste free.
Our base in this one is a 'bean mix'. Basically to create that just dump together a cup each of whatever beans you have on hand, 5-6 different kinds is preferable. I used: red, kidney, black, pinto, mung and northern.
One thing you most likely will need to go out and purchase for this recipe is the dried veggies. These can actually be found at our local Central Market in the bulk section, but I prefer to save 30-40% on the cost and get them on Amazon, that is a really huge savings. Posted is my affiliate links for the Veggies I used over on the side somewhere... They are awesome and appear to be the exact same as what is in the bulk bin!
Okay- I think we are ready to assemble! Want to print out my recipe? Well, until I figure out how to make that happen just go ahead and highlight it, copy and paste it to a blank document on your Microsoft Word or Mac Pages.. then print!
Minestrone Soup in a Jar for the Crockpot
serves 6 hungry people
these ingredients are for EACH jar you plan to assemble- just line 'em up and do as many as you want!
to the bottom of the jar, dump:
1 1/4 cup assorted beans
to baggie #1 add:
1/2 cup pasta
to baggie #2 add:
4 tsp boullion powder (or cubes if you don't have this)
1 Tbs dry basil
1 tsp oregano
2 Tbs parsley
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1.5 Tbs chopped dry onion (Costco!)
3 Tbs dry veggies
Instructions to print:
Remove baggies and dump only beans into a large bowl, filling with enough cool water to cover them by double. Allow to soak overnight. YES, this step must begin the day before you plan to eat the soup!
In the morning dump water and rinse your soaked beans, transfer them to your crockpot. Add in about 10 cups of water and turn crockpot on low. Allow to cook for at least 6 hours.
Open and test doneness of beans, if they are quite firm crank crockpot up to high, if they are getting soft leave pot on low. Add veggie/spice mix to the pot, stir and cook for a couple more hours.
20 minutes prior to serving dump in the pasta and any additions you may wish to add!
Possible additions: a few fresh sliced carrots, celery, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1/2lb cooked sausage (i indeed added all of these additions and they were awesome)
 |
| top with a little parmesan and enjoy this hearty dish! |
Shall we do a cost break-down?? Keeping my meals on budget keeps us out of debt! Buying our ingredients at lower prices makes this a super affordable dish. Lets see...
beans: .85
pasta: .20
onion/garlic: .10
boullion: .30
dry veg: .30
herbs: .10
total $1.85. FOR AN ENTIRE POT OF SOUP.
we used a few add-ins to make it decadent.....
fresh, organic celery, 2 stalks: .30
1 fresh carrot, organic: .08
sausage 1/2lb: $1.50
total for add-ins: $1.88
....making our grand total for this thrifty soup only $3.73!!!
Yes, $3.73 for the super loaded, gourmet edition to feed a family of 6! now THAT my friends is a bargain!!!
Now enjoy your delicious soup! Like this easy recipe? I would love it if you would LIKE me on Facebook! I've got lots more good stuff coming!
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