This Amish Friendship Soup Mix Is Shelf Stable Forever And Easy

Amish Friendship Soup is one of those wonderfully versatile meals that you can prepare in advance for just pennies. Whether you store it for a busy weeknight, keep it in your prepper pantry, or give it away as a thoughtful homemade gift, this meal-in-a-jar is both convenient and satisfying. With a hearty blend of dried beans, pasta, and seasonings, it stores well in a canning jar and makes for an easy, delicious meal when you need it most.

Why Amish Friendship Soup?

This soup is a great way to have a nutritious, ready-to-go meal on hand. The ingredients are shelf-stable, inexpensive, and easy to find. Plus, assembling the jars is simple and makes for a fun project with family or friends. Whether you’re looking to stockpile meals for emergencies, make meal prep effortless, or give a heartfelt gift, this recipe has you covered.

What You’ll Need

This recipe makes two quart-sized jars of soup mix. The ingredient list below is for both jars combined, so be sure to divide each item evenly between the two jars.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry split peas, rinsed
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 2/3 cup beef bouillon granules
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1/2 cup dried minced onion
• 1/4 cup dried minced garlic
• 4 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or tubetti)

Assembling the Jars

Layering: In a clean quart-sized canning jar, carefully layer the ingredients in the order listed, with the pasta on top.

Sealing: Secure the jar with a new canning lid or airtight seal to ensure freshness.

Include Instructions: Whether you’re keeping the soup for yourself or giving it as a gift, make sure to write out or print the cooking instructions and attach them to the jar. This way, you won’t have to search for the recipe when it’s time to cook!

This recipe makes enough to feed a hungry family, with leftovers to spare!

Additional Ingredients Needed:

1 lb. ground beef, turkey, or venison

3 quarts fresh water

1 (28 oz.) can fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained

Directions:

Prepare the Pasta: Open the jar and remove the pasta, setting it aside. The legumes and rice take longer to cook, so the pasta will be added later.

Brown the Meat: In a large stockpot, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat and return the meat to the pot.

Add the Soup Mix: Pour in 3 quarts of fresh water, the contents of the jar (minus the pasta), and the fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 45 minutes.

Add the Pasta: Stir in the reserved pasta and continue simmering for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until everything is tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. Feel free to customize the seasoning blend, swap out the type of pasta, or add extra veggies when cooking. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable bouillon instead.

A Perfect Gift Idea

Amish Friendship Soup makes a fantastic homemade gift, perfect for the holidays, housewarmings, or just because. Decorate the jar with a ribbon and attach a handwritten recipe card for a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

This soup mix is a budget-friendly, delicious, and practical way to always have a wholesome meal on hand. Whether you're meal prepping for yourself or sharing the love with others, Amish Friendship Soup is a fantastic addition to any pantry. Try it out, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this homemade classic!