Bean And Barley Soup Mix Recipe

How to Make Bean And Barley Soup Mix

1. **Prepare the Beans:** Sort and rinse 1 cup of dried Great Northern beans (or your preferred bean).
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large jar or freezer bag, combine the rinsed beans, 1 cup pearl barley, 1 tbsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, and 1 tsp salt.
3. **Soup Time:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the bean & barley mix with 8 cups of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.
4. **Add Flavor Boosters:** Add 3 pounds meaty ham hocks (or 1 pound diced lean ham), 1 medium chopped onion, and 2 cups chopped carrots and celery (optional).
5. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
6. **Simmer to Perfection:** Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the beans and barley are tender. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to maintain a good liquid level.
7. **Add Tomatoes (Optional):** During the last hour of cooking, add 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes for extra flavor and richness.
8. **Remove Bay Leaf:** Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
9. **Slow Cooker Option:** For slow cooker preparation, combine all ingredients (except tomatoes) in a slow cooker on high for 6-8 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Add tomatoes during the last hour of cooking.