Versatile Rice & Beans Soup Base

 

8 oz. (1 C.) of rice

2 oz. (1/4 C.) of red kidney beans

2 oz. (1/4 C.) of pearl barley

2 oz. (1/4 C. lentils

1 oz. (1/8 C.) of split green beans

1 oz. (1/8 C.) of chick peas/garbanzo’s

Chicken Bouillon and Salt Optional but highly recommended

 

Put the ingredients into 6 quarts of water, bring to a boil and then simmer for 2 hours. When I cooked this it didn’t thicken up for me in two hours, but once I turned the burner off and let it sit for a while it did thicken up into a very hearty soup! This makes a hearty base for a soup. You can add dried meats such as chicken, or even jerky at the beginning of the cook time. You can add additional canned vegetables (add in last 5-10 minutes of cooking) or fresh vegetables from your garden.