Name: Heartwarming Friendship Soup Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 7
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cups beef bouillon granules (or vegetarian bouillon for vegetarian version); ½ cups dried green split peas; ½ cups dried lentils; ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice; ½ cups small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni); ¼ cups pearl barley; ¼ cups dried minced onion; 2 tsps Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves

Soup brings people together, and this delightful friendship soup mix crafted with care will warm hearts faster than a cozy embrace.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this comforting blend of carefully selected ingredients.

Each spoonful tells a story of connection and culinary tradition.

The friendship soup mix combines hearty beans, aromatic spices, and nutritious grains into a simple yet magical recipe.

Families and friends gather around steaming bowls, sharing laughter and memories.

Savor every bite of this soul-nourishing creation that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Let this recipe become your next cherished kitchen tradition.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 7

Things Needed For Friendship Soup Mix

For Protein Base:

Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that adds depth and satisfying texture to the soup, preferably lean cut for healthier option.
Ground Turkey: Lighter alternative with similar meaty flavor, great for reducing fat content.
Vegetarian Crumbles: Plant-based protein packed with nutrients for meatless version.

For Liquid and Tomato Foundation:

Diced Tomatoes: Vibrant, juicy base that provides natural sweetness and robust tomato flavor, choose no-salt-added variety for better control.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato essence that thickens and intensifies the soup's rich sauce, look for organic brands with no added preservatives.
Water: Neutral liquid that helps blend ingredients and create perfect soup consistency.

For Soup Mix Components:

Dried Beans: Protein-rich legumes that add hearty texture, ensure beans are fresh and inspect for any damaged pieces.
Dried Lentils: Quick-cooking protein source with earthy flavor, rinse thoroughly before adding.
Dried Pasta: Comfort-giving carbohydrate that makes soup more filling, choose small shapes like shells or orzo for easy eating.
Dried Herbs: Aromatic flavor enhancers that bring complexity to the soup, use Italian blend or mix of basil and oregano.
Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that elevates overall taste, freshly ground provides most intense flavor.
Additional Herbs: Optional fresh or dried herbs like thyme or parsley for extra brightness.

What To Use For Friendship Soup Mix

Large pot: Essential for browning meat and simmering soup.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
Colander: Helps drain excess fat from browned meat.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
Sharp knife: Useful for any additional chopping or prep work.
Can opener: Needed for opening tomato cans.

How To Make Friendship Soup Mix

Brown the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until it’s perfectly cooked. Tip out any extra grease for a lighter meal.

Create the Liquid Base

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Give everything a hearty stir to blend flavors and create a rich, warming foundation.

Build the Flavor Profile

Dump in the soup mix ingredients (except pasta) and let the magic happen. Bring to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat. Cover and let simmer, allowing those delicious ingredients to mingle and develop deep, comforting flavors for about 45 minutes.

Finish with Pasta

Sprinkle in the pasta and let it dance in the bubbling soup. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta and legumes reach perfect tenderness.

Final Touch

Enhance with a dash of black pepper or your favorite herbs. Ladle into bowls and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness that’s sure to comfort and satisfy.

Ways To Customize Friendship Soup Mix

Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer browned meat and ingredients to a slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours for deeper flavor and tender texture.
Vegetarian Victory: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or extra beans for a protein-packed meat-free version that's equally delicious.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or Cajun spice mix to transform the soup's flavor profile.
Dietary Swap: Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking tomato paste ingredients, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
Freezer-Friendly Hack: Double the batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, hearty meals on busy weeknights – stays fresh up to 3 months.

Hearty Meal Companions: Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls perfectly soak up the rich, savory broth and complement the soup's robust flavors.
Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan on top to add extra protein and create a creamy, melty texture that enhances the overall taste.
Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or basil to introduce a bright, crisp element that cuts through the soup's deep, hearty profile and adds a pop of color.
Cozy Side Kick: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting meal.

How To Store Friendship Soup Mix

Smart Storage Solutions: Keep soup mix ingredients in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for maximum freshness up to 6 months.
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze extra portions in sealed containers or freezer bags for quick future meals within 3 months.
Ingredient Prep Tips: Store uncooked dry mix separately from wet ingredients, keeping beans, pasta, and spices in separate sealed containers to maintain individual quality and prevent moisture absorption.
Refrigeration Strategy: Cooked soup stays delicious in sealed containers for 4-5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis, Dietary Accommodations, Food Writing and Blogging,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.