Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar: The Ultimate Homemade Mason Jar Gift Idea
This delightful Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar offers a heartwarming and affordable homemade gift solution. Perfect for sharing warmth during the holidays or any special occasion, it’s a thoughtful present that keeps on giving. Dive in to discover how to assemble this delicious gift and explore more creative Mason Jar Gift Ideas that are sure to impress!
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Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Lentil Soup Jar
Crafting the perfect Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar involves a carefully selected blend of dry ingredients and fresh additions. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how you can customize it to your taste or dietary preferences, ensuring your gift is both delicious and versatile.
Dry Soup Mix Ingredients:
- Red Lentils: These quick-cooking lentils break down beautifully, giving your soup a wonderfully creamy texture. While red lentils are ideal for this soup, you can certainly experiment with other types like brown or green lentils. Just note that they may require slightly longer simmering and will result in a firmer soup texture.
- Garlic Powder: A fundamental flavor enhancer, garlic powder adds a rich, aromatic base. For a different twist, onion powder can be used interchangeably or added alongside for a more robust savory profile.
- Onion Flakes: These contribute a subtle, sweet onion flavor and texture. If you don’t have onion flakes on hand, feel free to omit them without significantly impacting the overall taste, or consider adding fresh onion during the cooking process.
- Curry Powder: The heart of the soup’s flavor, curry powder brings a warm, complex spice blend. You can easily swap it out for other aromatic spices to change the flavor profile entirely. Options include earthy thyme, fragrant rosemary, a pinch of chili powder for heat, classic Italian seasoning, or bright coriander.
- Paprika: Lending a sweet and smoky depth, paprika is a versatile spice. Like curry powder, it can be substituted with another spice of your choice to fine-tune the flavor.
- Turmeric: Known for its vibrant color and earthy notes, turmeric also offers potential health benefits. Feel free to swap it with another favorite spice if desired, or increase it for a more pronounced flavor and golden hue.
- Cumin: This spice adds warmth and a distinctive earthy aroma. It pairs perfectly with the other curry spices but can be replaced with an alternative that suits your palate.
- Bouillon Cube: This provides the foundational savory broth. You can use either a chicken bouillon cube for a richer taste or a vegetable bouillon cube to keep the soup entirely vegetarian or vegan. Ensure it dissolves well in boiling water before adding to the soup.
Fresh Soup Add-ons (for cooking):
- Butter: Used for sautéing the vegetables, butter adds a rich flavor. For a dairy-free or vegan option, simply sauté your veggies in a bit of olive oil or coconut oil instead.
- Carrots: Sweet and tender, carrots are a staple in many soups. Diversify your soup by adding other vegetables like crisp bell peppers, florets of broccoli or cauliflower, or chunks of sweet potato for added nutrition and color.
- Celery Stalks: Celery provides a classic aromatic base. Get creative by swapping them with ingredients like delicate squash, refreshing zucchini, hearty cabbage, mild leeks, or crunchy green beans for varied textures and flavors.
- Coconut Milk: This ingredient is key for achieving a luscious, creamy texture and a subtle tropical note in your curried soup. While you can certainly omit it if you prefer a lighter broth, it greatly enhances the richness and mouthfeel.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the hot soup, adding a boost of nutrients and a touch of vibrant green. Hearty kale or colorful Swiss chard are excellent alternatives that can be used instead.
How to Prepare Curried Lentil Soup from a Jar
Turning this beautifully assembled dry soup mix into a hot, comforting meal is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to bring your Curried Lentil Soup to life, perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy lunch.
- Sauté the Veggies: Begin by melting butter or heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your chopped carrots and celery (or any other desired vegetables) and sauté them for about 7-8 minutes. Cook until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Add the Liquid: In a separate cup, dissolve the bouillon cube from your jar mix in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until no lumps remain. Pour this rich broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables, along with one can of full-fat coconut milk (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the Dry Mix: Once the liquid is boiling, carefully add the entire contents of your Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar—including the lentils and all the fragrant spices. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the liquid.
- Simmer then Serve!: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and fully cooked. Before serving, remove the pot from the heat and stir in fresh spinach or kale until it just wilts. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this aromatic and nutritious soup! It’s also excellent for meal prepping and freezes beautifully for future enjoyment.
More Creative Mason Jar Gift Ideas
Before we delve deeper into the specifics of this delightful lentil soup recipe, let’s explore the wonderful world of homemade gifts! Mason jars are incredibly versatile for crafting thoughtful, budget-friendly presents, especially as the holidays approach. They allow you to create something personal and special without the hassle of visiting numerous stores.
Mason jar gifts are not just charming; they’re also a sustainable and affordable way to show appreciation to your loved ones. Whether filled with dry mixes for baking, comforting soups, or delightful treats, these gifts are always a hit. Here are some more amazing mason jar gift ideas that are perfect for any recipient, making gift-giving simple and meaningful:
- Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar by Chattavore: A festive mix of dry ingredients, ready for someone to bake fresh, warm cookies. This makes for a perfect sweet treat for any cookie lover!
- Moroccan Lentil Soup by The Healthy Maven: Another flavorful soup mix, offering a different spice profile and a taste of exotic cuisine. Ideal for those who enjoy hearty and adventurous flavors.
- S’mores Mason Jar Gift by A Night Owl: A whimsical and fun gift, layering all the components for delicious s’mores. Perfect for campfires, cozy nights, or anyone with a sweet tooth.
- Homemade Vanilla Cake Mix by Life, Love and Sugar: Give the gift of baking with this simple yet elegant vanilla cake mix. A wonderful option for budding bakers or busy individuals who appreciate homemade goodness.
- Cinnamon Candied Almonds by Cooking Classy: A delectable snack or topping, these almonds are easy to make and universally loved. A crunchy, sweet, and satisfying gift.
- Gingerbread Granola by Five Heart Home: A fantastic breakfast or snack item, bursting with holiday flavors. This makes a healthy and delicious addition to anyone’s pantry.
- Homemade Pancake Mix by Skip to My Lou: An incredibly convenient gift for breakfast lovers. Just add wet ingredients, shake, and pour! A simple way to enjoy a delicious morning.
- Banana Bread Jars by One Sweet Mess: Baked directly in the jar, these miniature banana bread loaves are charming, moist, and utterly delicious. A truly unique and heartwarming gift.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lentil Soup & Mason Jar Gifts
Absolutely! Lentils are incredibly healthy legumes, renowned for their nutritional density. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a fantastic alternative to meat. Beyond protein, lentils are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including high levels of iron, dietary fiber, zinc, and manganese. Incorporating lentil soup into your diet can support digestive health, provide sustained energy, and contribute to overall well-being.
No, there’s no need to soak the red lentils for this specific recipe. Red lentils are relatively small and cook quickly compared to other lentil varieties or dried beans, which often require soaking. For this “soup in a jar” concept, the convenience is key! You simply layer them into a glass jar along with the spices, and when you’re ready to prepare the soup, they will simmer perfectly in the pot with the rest of your fresh ingredients without any prior soaking.
The possibilities for mason jar gifts are truly endless, extending far beyond this delicious lentil soup! They make charming and thoughtful presents for various occasions, especially around the holidays. Some of my favorite ideas include dry mixes for homemade pancake mix, festive gingerbread granola, fun s’mores kits in a jar, brownie mixes, cookie ingredients, hot chocolate blends, or even layers for overnight oats. You can also fill them with pampering items like DIY bath salts, sugar scrubs, or craft supplies for the creative souls in your life.
When properly sealed in an airtight mason jar and stored in a cool, dark place, the dry lentil soup mix can typically last for 6 to 12 months. The longevity depends on the freshness of the individual ingredients, particularly the spices. For best flavor and quality, it’s recommended to use the mix within about 6 months, especially if gifting for optimal freshness to the recipient.
Absolutely! The beauty of homemade gifts is the ability to personalize them. While this recipe provides a fantastic curry blend, you can easily adjust the spices to suit individual preferences. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, extra turmeric for color and earthy notes, or swapping curry powder for Moroccan spices like ras el hanout for a different regional flavor. Just ensure your chosen spices are dry and store well to maintain the gift’s shelf life.
Storing and Reheating Your Cooked Lentil Soup
Once you’ve enjoyed a fresh batch of your delicious Curried Lentil Soup, you might find yourself with leftovers – a wonderful problem to have! Proper storage ensures you can savor its comforting flavors for days. You can store any leftover cooked soup in airtight glass bowls or containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For convenience and minimal waste, you can even transfer the cooled soup back into clean glass jars, making them perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
Reheating is a breeze: simply warm the soup in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, for stovetop reheating, pour the soup into a pot and gently warm over medium-low heat until it reaches your desired temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can You Freeze Cooked Lentil Soup?
Absolutely! This easy curried lentil soup is wonderfully freezer-friendly once it’s been cooked, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking and meal prepping. Prepare a generous batch, allow it to cool completely, then portion the soup into individual serving-size glass containers or freezer-safe bags. Ensure there’s a little headspace if using containers to allow for expansion during freezing. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, offering a quick and healthy meal whenever you need it.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. Simply pop a serving directly into the microwave and heat for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up any ice and ensure uniform heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pot on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s warmed through. This makes homemade, nutritious meals accessible even on your busiest days.
More Delicious Mason Jar Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and charm of soup in a jar, you’ll be thrilled to explore more options! Mason jars aren’t just for gifting dry mixes; they’re also fantastic for creating ready-to-heat, portable meals. These recipes are perfect for healthy lunches on the go, quick dinners, or for gifting to friends and family who appreciate a homemade touch.
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Grab and Go Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Jars
A classic Italian favorite, this Minestrone in a jar is packed with vegetables, pasta, and savory broth. It’s a colorful and nutritious option that’s incredibly easy to prepare for a wholesome meal.
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Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars
Enjoy a lighter, low-carb version of the comforting classic, chicken noodle soup, by swapping traditional noodles for spiralized zucchini. This jarred version is fresh, healthy, and still incredibly satisfying.
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Mason Jar Instant Noodles
Forget store-bought instant noodles! These homemade versions are packed with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, requiring only hot water to transform into a delicious and quick meal.
Essential Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe
To successfully assemble and enjoy your Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some indispensable items that will assist you in both preparing these lovely gifts and savoring the delicious soup yourself:
- These are the standard 8oz mason jars I used for layering the dry ingredients in this recipe, perfect for individual servings or small gifts.
- For larger batches or a more substantial gift, you can opt for 32oz mason jars, which are great for family-sized portions or other layered mixes.
- Never lose a lid again with these vibrant and functional colourful mason jar lids. They add a fun touch and are super handy for organizing your pantry or distinguishing different jarred gifts.
- A good quality funnel will also be beneficial for easily layering ingredients into the jars without making a mess.
- Don’t forget sturdy measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions, ensuring your soup comes out perfectly every time.
Lentil Soup in a Jar {Mason Jar Gift Ideas}
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Ingredients
Dry Soup Mix (for one jar)
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion flakes
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 bouillon cube (chicken or vegetable)
Soup Add-ons (to be added when cooking)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups boiling water (for bouillon cube)
- 1 can full fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chopped baby spinach
Instructions
Assemble the Gift Jar
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To create your beautiful gift, use clean 8oz mason jars. Carefully layer 1/2 cup of red lentils at the bottom. Next, add all the dry spices (garlic powder, onion flakes, curry powder, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and the bouillon cube) evenly over the lentils. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of red lentils. Secure the lid tightly. This jar is now ready to be gifted! For a complete present, include a festive tag with cooking instructions and a can of full-fat coconut milk (or suggest the recipient add their own for a dairy-free creamy base).
Turn it into a Full Meal
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To cook the soup, start by melting 1 tbsp of butter (or olive oil for a vegan option) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped carrots and celery, sautéing for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly softened, releasing their sweet aromas. In a separate bowl or mug, dissolve the bouillon cube (from the jar) with 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely smooth. Pour this rich broth and the can of coconut milk into the pot with the sautéed veggies, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
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Once boiling, add the entire dry lentil soup mix from the mason jar into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the red lentils are fully cooked through and tender. Remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the chopped baby spinach until it wilts into the hot soup. Serve immediately and savor this hearty, flavorful meal! This soup also freezes exceptionally well for future meals. For convenient storage, portion leftovers into glass bowls or freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, simply microwave for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, or warm on the stovetop.
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Notes
Keep in mind that cooking times for various vegetables can differ. If you substitute carrots and celery with harder root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips, they may require a longer sautéing or simmering time to become tender.
To maintain freshness and flavor, store any leftover cooked lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For quick reheating, microwave individual portions for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway, or gently warm in a pot on the stovetop until heated through.
This lentil soup is perfect for meal prep! Cooked lentil soup can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat from frozen for 6-7 minutes in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or simmer on the stovetop until hot.
Nutrition
