Italian Style Bean Soup Mix

Ingredients

Mix

• 1 3/4 cups dried great northern beans or dried navy beans
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes or vegetable bouillon cubes, unwrapped
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon instant minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells

Soup

• 5-6 cups water
• 1 cup canned pasta sauce
• 8 ounces baby spinach
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   To made the mix: layer the beans in a 1 quart jar with tight-fitting lid.

2. 2

   Combine the onion, basil, bouillon cubes, parsley, garlic and pepper in a small food storage bag; close bag.

3. 3

   Place the seasoning bag over the beans, spreading out bag to cover beans; add pasta shells.

4. 4

   Close jar, cover top of jar with fabric; attach gift tag with raffia or ribbon.

5. 5

   Attached directions to preparing soup to jar.

6. 6

   Soup:.

7. 7

   Remove the pasta and seasoning packet from jar; set aside.

8. 8

   Place the beans in a large bowl; cover with water and soak for 6 to 8 hours or overnight.

9. 9

   Drain beans; discarding the water.

10. 10

    Combine the soaked beans, water, pasta sauce and contents of seasoning packet in Dutch oven.

11. 11

    Bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat and simmer 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.

12. 12

    Add the pasta and spinach; cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.

13. 13

    Season to taste, serve with grated Parmesan cheese.