This is a savory and nourishing mix of beans to base a soup on, with flavors enhanced by onion, garlic, celery, mushroom, and carrot. The possibilities are endless. You can make your own mix of dry beans, or use a mix of canned beans as well. If using canned, lessen the cooking time.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 C Busy Day Soup Mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 or 3 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed
• 3 ribs celery, sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• ½ green or red bell pepper
• ½ C mushrooms, (optional)
• 1 tomato (optional)
• 1 T all purpose seasoning, or oregano
• ¼ C soy sauce
• 1 tsp pepper

Soup Mix
Make a dry mix of equal parts of the following:

• Green split peas
• Yellow split peas
• Green or brown lentils
• Red lentils
• Hulled barley
• 6 C water or vegetable broth

Store in a jar

Instructions:

Put everything in a pot.  Bring to boil on medium heat. Lower heat and simmer for 1 ½  – 2 hours, or until beans are tender.  Stir every once-in-awhile and add a bit more water if needed.

OPTIONS:  Choose a mix of canned beans.  Use 3 cans of rised beans and reduce cooking time to 30 – 45 minutes.   If