Hearty Potato Soup Mix-in-a-Jar
This Hearty Potato Soup Mix-in-a-Jar is the perfect solution for busy families looking for a quick and nourishing meal. Crafted from affordable pantry staples, this soup mix not only makes a thoughtful 'Gift in a Jar' for friends and family but is also a reliable go-to for cold winter days. Just add boiling water, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful potato soup in minutes! It’s ideal for warming up after a day of sledding or skating and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, cheese, or fresh herbs.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant mashed potatoes
2 cups (No preparation needed)
Powdered milk
1 3/4 cups (No preparation needed)
Instant chicken bouillon or vegetable bouillon granules
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Dried onion flakes
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed)
Dried parsley
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Seasoning salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: instant mashed potatoes, powdered milk, bouillon granules, dried onion flakes, dried parsley, garlic powder, white pepper, dried thyme, and seasoning salt.
2
Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3
Carefully transfer the mixture into a clean 1-quart jar, packing it down gently.
4
Seal the jar tightly, and for gifting, attach a tag with instructions: To prepare soup, pour 1/2 cup of the soup mix into a bowl.
5
Add 1 cup of boiling water to the soup mix and stir well until smooth.
6
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Potato Soup Mix-in-a-Jar?
It is a convenient dry soup mix made from pantry staples like instant mashed potatoes and powdered milk that creates a creamy soup by just adding boiling water.
How do I prepare a single serving of this potato soup?
To prepare the soup, pour 1/2 cup of the prepared soup mix into a bowl, add 1 cup of boiling water, and stir well until the mixture is smooth.
What size jar is needed for this recipe?
A clean 1-quart jar is the perfect size to hold this specific recipe's dry ingredients once they are mixed and packed down.
Can I use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon?
Yes, you can use either instant chicken bouillon or vegetable bouillon granules depending on your dietary preference.
What are the main dry ingredients in the mix?
The mix consists of instant mashed potatoes, powdered milk, bouillon granules, dried onion flakes, dried parsley, garlic powder, white pepper, dried thyme, and seasoning salt.
Is this soup mix suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! It is designed as a 'Gift in a Jar,' making it a thoughtful and affordable present for friends and family during the holidays or winter months.
How long does it take to prepare the soup from the mix?
Once the mix is ready, the soup takes only minutes to prepare as it only requires stirring the mix into boiling water.
What toppings go well with this potato soup?
Common toppings include croutons, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, the recipe uses affordable pantry staples like instant potatoes and powdered milk, making it a cost-effective meal option.
Why does the recipe call for white pepper instead of black pepper?
White pepper is used to provide a subtle heat without adding dark specks, helping the soup maintain its creamy white appearance.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian if you choose vegetable bouillon granules instead of chicken bouillon.
Do I need to cook the soup on a stovetop?
No stovetop cooking is necessary for the final preparation; you simply stir the mix into a bowl of boiling water.
How should the dry ingredients be mixed?
Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution before transferring them to the jar.
Can I adjust the salt levels in the soup?
Yes, the recipe suggests tasting and seasoning with additional salt and pepper after the soup has been mixed with water.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 specific ingredients used to create the dry mix.
What is the role of powdered milk in this recipe?
Powdered milk acts as the dairy base, providing creaminess and body to the soup when water is added.
Is this soup mix good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a reliable go-to for cold winter days and ideal for warming up after outdoor activities like skating or sledding.
Can I use fresh onions in the jar mix?
No, because this is a dry shelf-stable mix, you must use dried onion flakes to prevent spoilage.
How should I store the jar once it is filled?
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use it or give it away.
Can I use this mix for camping?
Yes, it is an excellent camping meal because it is lightweight, shelf-stable, and only requires boiling water.
What kind of potatoes are best for this mix?
The recipe specifically requires instant mashed potato flakes to ensure the soup thickens and dissolves quickly.
Can children help make this recipe?
Yes, measuring and layering the ingredients into the jar is a fun and easy activity for children.
How many cups of instant potatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of instant mashed potatoes.
How much powdered milk is needed for one jar?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of powdered milk.
What spices are included for flavoring?
Flavoring comes from dried parsley, garlic powder, white pepper, dried thyme, and seasoning salt.
How much seasoning salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt.
Can I make the soup thicker?
Yes, you can add more than 1/2 cup of the mix or use slightly less boiling water to achieve a thicker consistency.
Is the soup mix nutritious?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing meal that provides comfort and warmth.
What if I don't have dried thyme?
You can omit it or substitute it with another dried herb like marjoram, though thyme provides a traditional savory flavor.
Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder?
It is better to use garlic powder to avoid making the soup too salty, as seasoning salt and bouillon already contain sodium.