Soup in a Jar

Why this Vegan Soup Recipe is So Awesome

Soup in mason jars is the ultimate mix of convenience and creativity. It’s perfect for meal prep, easy dinners, or thoughtful gifts, with endless ways to customize the ingredients to your taste. Plus, it’s shelf-stable and budget-friendly, making it a must-have for any pantry!

• Perfect for Meal Prep. Soup in a jar is a meal prep dream! You can assemble several jars in one go, saving time and effort for future meals. Just grab a jar, cook, and enjoy a hearty, homemade soup with minimal work.
• Long Shelf Life. When stored in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place, the ingredients stay fresh for months. This makes it a fantastic pantry staple for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Budget-Friendly. Making soup in a jar uses affordable, dried ingredients like lentils and peas. You can prepare multiple jars without breaking the bank, and they’re great for stretching your grocery budget.
• Simple to Make. Layering the ingredients is quick and easy, requiring no cooking in advance. When it’s time to eat, just pour everything into a pot, add water, and simmer.
• Great for Gifting. A soup in a jar gift makes a thoughtful and practical gift. Add a ribbon and a handwritten label with cooking instructions to share a cozy meal with friends or family.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

The star ingredients for a soup in a jar recipe—split peas, lentils, bouillon cubes, and spices—work together to create a flavorful and hearty meal. Each ingredient has its role, but there’s room to swap in grains, beans, or other dried veggies to suit your taste. With a few simple adjustments, you can make this recipe as unique and delicious as you want!

• Yellow and Green Split Peas: Provide a creamy texture when cooked, making the soup hearty and nutritious. Yellow is mild and slightly sweet, while green has an earthier taste. If you don’t have split peas, you can substitute them with dried chickpeas or mung beans for a different texture and flavor. Keep in mind that chickpeas will take longer to cook. Make sure to rinse and check the peas for any small stones before adding them to your jar.
• Lentils: Cook quickly and add richness to the soup. Lentils are also a great source of plant-based protein and iron. Use red, brown, or green lentils, depending on what you like or have on hand. Red lentils break down more easily, creating a creamier soup, while brown or green lentils hold their shape better. You can also swap lentils with quinoa or barley for a different twist.
• Bouillon Cubes: Infuses the soup with bold, savory flavor. They’re convenient and eliminate the need to measure out separate broth ingredients. For a more natural option, use bouillon powder or homemade vegetable broth mix. If you’re watching your sodium intake, choose low-sodium bouillon cubes or omit them and season the soup with salt after it is done cooking.
• Spices: (Garlic, Onion, Bay Leaf, Thyme) – Dried aromatics give the soup a rich, savory base. Garlic powder adds depth, while dry minced onion brings a hint of sweetness and umami. Replace garlic powder with onion powder or vice versa if you’re missing one. For a different flavor profile, try dried shallots or leek powder. Swaps for bay leaves include dried oregano or basil. For thyme, try dried parsley, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.

How To Make Soup in a Jar

Making a dry soup mix in a jar is super simple and fun! Just layer your ingredients—like split peas, lentils, spices, and bouillon cubes—into a mason jar, and you’re set for a hearty meal later. When you’re ready to cook, just add water, simmer, and enjoy a delicious homemade soup in no time!

Step 1: Assemble the Soup Jar – In a 16-ounce mason jar, layer the green split peas, yellow split peas, and red lentils.

Sprinkle in the bay leaves, dried minced onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Place the wrapped bouillon cubes on top, then seal the jar tightly. Store it in a cool, dry pantry until ready to use.

Step 2: Start Cooking the Soup – When ready to cook, unwrap the bouillon cubes and place them in a large pot with 6 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Then, Step 3: Add and Simmer – Pour the contents of the soup jar into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 to 2 hours until the split peas and lentils are soft. Stir occasionally and add extra water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Step 4: Finish and Serve – Remove the bay leaves before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, red pepper flakes, or your favorite garnish.

Serving Tips and Suggestions

Serve your soup in a mason jar with simple and tasty upgrades to make it even more delicious. From fresh herbs and creamy add-ins to crunchy toppings and sides, there are so many ways to customize your meal. These easy tips will turn your soup into a cozy, satisfying dish everyone will love:

• Add Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost – Once the soup is cooked, sprinkle on some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme (perhaps from your very own herb garden?) They add a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that takes the soup to the next level.
• Pair with Crusty Bread – Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dunking. The bread soaks up all the delicious vegan broth, making every bite extra satisfying.
• Top with Crunchy Toppings – Add a bit of crunch with toppings like croutons, roasted chickpeas, fried onions, or even crispy potato skin chips! These toppings bring texture and a fun twist to the soup.
• Serve with a Side Salad – Pair the soup with a simple green salad, bright carrot salad, or coleslaw for a balanced meal. The fresh veggies complement the heartiness of the soup and make the meal feel complete.
• Customize with Creamy Add-Ins – Stir in a splash of coconut milk, dairy-free heavy cream, or a dollop of creamy vegan yogurt before serving. These creamy additions make the soup richer and add a touch of indulgence.