Country Bean Soup Recipes

Steps:

• Sort beans, peas and lentils; combine in a large bowl. Divide into four equal batches, 2 cups each. Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 4 batches., To make one batch of soup: Rinse bean mixture with cold water. Place in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let soak for 1-4 hours or until beans are softened., Drain and rinse bean mixture, discarding liquid. Return bean mixture to pan; add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3 hours or until beans are tender. Remove ham hock; cut meat into bite-size pieces and return to pan. Heat through.

Steps:

• In a wide mouth 1 quart jar, layer the barley, peas, rice and lentils. Then layer around the edges the onion, parsley, salt, lemon pepper, bouillon and the alphabet pasta. Fill the rest of the jar with the twist macaroni.
• Seal and attach a gift card. The gift card should read: Add contents of jar to 3 quarts of water, 2 stalks of chopped celery, 2 sliced carrots, 1 cup of shredded cabbage (optional) and 2 cups diced tomatoes. Over medium low heat, cover and simmer about 1 hour, or until vegetables are tender.

Steps:

• 1. Place dried beans in a LARGE pot and pick through to check for stones. Rinse beans, drain and add water to cover by at least 2 inches. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight.
• 2. After soaking, drain beans, rinse, drain again and add 2 quarts water**, flavoring packet (that comes with beans) and 2 envelopes of ham flavoring. Bring to a boil and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. (Note: you may have to add more water during this step to make sure beans are covered with liquid.) ** OR, INSTEAD OF PLAIN WATER, PLACE A HAM BONE IN A LARGE DUTCH OVEN AND ADD WATER TO COVER HALF OF BONE. ADD 2 BAY LEAVES AND A SLICED ONION TO THE POT. BRING TO A BOIL, REDUCE HEAT. COVER AND SIMMER FOR 1 TO 2 HOURS. REMOVE BONE AND STRAIN BROTH. USE THIS BROTH INSTEAD OF PLAIN WATER. Take any meat off of the bone and add to soup with the rest of the meat as mentioned in Step 3.
• 3. After simmering for 1 hour, add onion, carrot, potato, ham, sausage, bay leaves and 2 more envelopes ham flavoring to pot. Simmer an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring often, until beans are soft and begin to break apart.
• 4. Add chicken broth (enough to make desired consistency) and quick cooking barley (and more ham flavoring if needed). Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until barley is cooked.
• 5. Serve with salad and crusty bread.
• 6. FREEZES WELL!!

Steps:

• Wash beans and place in large kettle.
• Cover with water and soak overnight.
• Drain beans.
• Add water and ham or pork hocks.
• Bring to a boil and simmer slowly at least 3 hours.
• Add remaining ingredients and simmer one hour.
• Remove bones and any large pieces of fat and if there are large chunks of meat, shred them and return them to the pot.