Monday, November 4, 2013

Monday Meals in a Jar: Hamburger Soup









Today I’m starting a new feature.  Each Monday I’ll be sharing a meal in a jar. 


Why do I like meals in a jar?
·         It is a great way to use your food storage, and keep it rotated.
·         It makes food storage fast food. –Usually all you have to do is dump and add water. 
·         It helps me know what my family really likes to eat from our food storage.  This way when it is time to stalk up I’ll know what we like. 

Hamburger Soup
My kids (even the picky eater) loved this soup.  It was filling and delicious.
This soup uses a combination of freeze dried and dehydrated veggies.  So when you are cooking it you’ll want to make sure that the dehydrated veggies are completely rehydrated and cooked.  They always take longer than the freeze dried.
 Be sure to watch the water level I often end up adding a little more water at the end to make it the consistency I like.




Hamburger Soup
Printable recipe
In a quart jar:
1 cup instant red beans
1/3 cup dehydrated carrots
1/3 cup freeze dried peas
1/3 cup freeze dried corn
1 cup Freeze Dried Ground Beef
1 Cup dehydrated potato chunks/dices
¼ cup freeze dried onion
Seasonings I shake down into the jar:
½ cup tomato powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon Lawery’s Seasoning Salt (or similar)
1 T beef bullion.
It will fit if you shake it really well. 

If you are storing for a for a long time be sure to add an oxygen absorber or seal with a food saver, if you plan to use in the next month and live in a dry climate you will be fine just putting it in the jar.  

To prepare Hamburger Soup:
In a gallon pot, combine stew mix with 8 cups water and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes.  Check water level,  I often add more water to make it the consistency I like. 
Just before serving add 2 Tablespoons butter.  Stir in until melted.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.