Italian-Style Bean Soup Mix
1-1/2 cups dried Great Northern or navy beans
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
2 chicken bouillon cubes, unwrapped
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 cup uncooked medium shells pasta
Place Great Northern beans in 1-quart food storage jar with
tight-fitting lid. Combine onion, basil, bouillon cubes, parsley,
garlic and pepper in small food storage bag. Close bag. Place cheese
in small food storage bag. Close bag. Place seasoning and cheese
packets in jar spreading out to cover beans; add pasta shells. Close
jar.
Cover top of jar with fabric; attach gift tag with raffia or ribbon.
Recipe to accompany gift jar:
Italian-Style Bean Soup
Makes 8 to 10 servings
1 jar Italian-Style Bean Soup Mix
5 to 6 cups water
1 cup pasta sauce
8 ounces baby spinach leaves (optional)
Salt and pepper
1. Remove pasta, cheese and seasoning packets from jar; set aside.
2. Place beans in large bowl; cover with water. Soak 6 to 8 hours or
overnight. (To quick soak beans, place beans in large saucepan;
cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 2 minutes.
Remove from heat; let soak, covered, 1 hour.) Drain beans; discard
water.
3. Combine soaked beans, water, pasta sauce and contents of
seasoning packet in Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Cover; reduce heat and simmer 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
2. Add shells and spinach, if desired, to Dutch oven. Cover and
simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until pasta is tender. Season to taste.
Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
Add 8 slices crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled or 1 package (15-ounces)
frozen
precooked Italian style meatballs (not in sauce). |