Meals In A Jar Italian Barley Soup Mix

Hi, it's Alaska Granny! If you've been to the grocery store lately, you might be shocked by the prices. Sometimes, even when the shelves are well-stocked, affording food can be a challenge. One cost-effective option for long-term food storage is barley. But what is barley? It's a cereal grain that comes from grass, and when stored properly, its shelf life can extend up to 30 years. Whole grain barley doesn't last as long as pearled barley due to its higher moisture content. For the longest storage life, opt for pearled barley.

Here's a recipe for an Italian Barley Soup Mix that you can prepare and store in a jar, ready to use whenever you need a quick meal. Just add water and a can of tomatoes, and your Italian Barley Soup is ready to go.

Italian Barley Soup Mix Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of barley
• 1 tablespoon of dry chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of basil
• 1 tablespoon of oregano
• 1 tablespoon of parsley
• 1 serving of vegetable bouillon

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dry ingredients into a clean jar. A 2-cup or half-pint jar works well, but you can use a smaller jar if you prefer.
2. Label the jar with directions: "Add contents to 4 cups of water and a can of tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes."
3. Store the jar in your pantry.

When you're ready to make the soup:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil on the stove.
2. Add the jar contents and a can of tomatoes.
3. Simmer for 20 minutes without a lid. The barley will plump up, creating a thick and hearty soup.

You can customize your Italian Barley Soup by adding dehydrated vegetables, beans, meat, fresh kale, or sausage. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a special meal tailored to your family's tastes.

Leave a comment with your ideas for customizing this recipe or other suggestions for pantry staples. Sharing tips helps us all prepare better for whatever comes our way.