Long-Term Food Storage: Making Split Pea Soup Mix in a Jar

Hi, it's Alaska Granny here! If you're like me, you're trying to build your food storage stockpile with foods that last a long time, including rice, beans, and legumes like split peas and lentils. These foods can last for years. Additionally, I want to have ready-to-eat meals in my pantry, so I decided to make meals in a jar using these long-lasting ingredients. Today, I'll show you how I package my split peas with spices to create a convenient, ready-to-cook split pea soup mix.

Preparing Split Pea Soup Mix

When you buy a package of split peas, it typically comes in a 16 oz or 1 lb package, which is about two cups of split peas. This size is perfect for making a big pot of split pea soup.

Materials Needed:

• Clean, dry jars (reused canning jars work well)
• 2 cups of split peas per jar
• Spices: 1 tablespoon chopped onion, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, 1 bay leaf
• Goya ham flavored concentrate or chicken bouillon

Steps:

1. Prepare the Jars: Ensure your jars are clean and completely dry to keep your ingredients fresh for years.
2. Add Split Peas: Pour two cups of split peas into each jar.
3. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the following spices:
   • 1 tablespoon chopped onion
   • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
   • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
   • 1 bay leaf
   • 1 packet of Goya ham flavored concentrate (or substitute with chicken bouillon if preferred)
4. Seal the Jar: Secure the lid tightly to keep the mix airtight.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Boil Water: Bring six cups of water to a boil.
2. Add Soup Mix: Open the jar, add the Goya ham flavoring, and pour the entire contents into the boiling water.
3. Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and enjoy your homemade split pea soup.

Optional Additions:

• Smoked Ham: Store a can of smoked ham in your pantry to add at the end of cooking for extra flavor.
• Biscuit Mix: Include a package of biscuit mix that only requires water for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

• Single Ingredients: For maximum shelf life, store split peas and spices separately in clean canning jars. Combine them when you're ready to cook.
• Pre-Mixed Jars: Make only enough jars for a year to ensure freshness.

Planning Ahead

In these challenging times, being prepared is crucial. By creating ready-to-cook meals like this split pea soup mix, you can ensure you have nutritious options on hand. Think creatively and plan ahead to face future challenges. Being ready for any situation, whether it's a personal emergency or a larger crisis, helps you take care of yourself and your family.