So, I was looking for colorful legumes to use as vase filler (long story) and I bought a 14 ingredient bean soup mix to fit the bill. But it didn't, as I discovered upon opening the bag. Turns out some of its beans and grains were minuscule.
Not to worry – I could actually use it for it's intended purpose – soup. Nothing is easier than soup. Some savory, some solid, some liquid = soup.
Use what you got – I did and now have soup for 50! (Maybe an exaggeration).
Ingredients
17 ounce mixed dried beans with lentils & barley
Large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
14 -ish oz can chopped or cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Bay leaf
Salt & pepper
8 cups water or stock
Heat 1-2 tablespoons oil in large stockpot. Soften onion 3-5, add carrots, celery and garlic. Soften 3-5 minutes. Add tomatoes, bean mix, bay leaf and at least 6 cups of water. Being to a boil and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, adjusting salt & pepper & adding water along the way. Mine took 4 hours for the beans to get good & soft with about 8 cups of water. Still, I finished the laundry! Remove bay leaf.
Eat – B
Posted by Betsy 
I Am Not A Restaurant! 