Ingredients

½ c. dry split peas
2 Tbsp. beef bouillon granules
¼ c. pearl barley
½ c. dry lentils
¼ c. dry, minced onions
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
½ c. long-grain white rice
½ c. macaroni noodles

Directions

To make a gift mix:

In a clean, quart-sized jar, layer all the ingredients except the macaroni. Place the macaroni in a sandwich bag and place it on top of the other ingredients. Cover the jar tightly with a lid, decorate it and attach a copy of the recipe card.

To make right away:

Additional ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey

3 qt. water

1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes

Brown meat and drain. Place in a large pot and add the water and tomatoes. Add soup mix except macaroni. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for one hour. Add macaroni and continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes (until macaroni is done).

Makes 12 servings.

Each serving has 150 calories, 4 g fat, 12 g carbohydrate and 390 mg sodium.