We enjoy having soup for lunch from September to May and having a few ready made homemade mixes makes things simpler on those busy days. I have made homemade recipe into a dried mix some years ago and have upgraded the recipe to include yellow split peas after seeing other bloggers with similar “soup in a jar” recipes.

Pea  Soup Mix in a Mason Jar

• one quart size mason jar with lid
• 1 1/2 cups dried yellow split peas
• 1 1/2 cups dried green split peas
• 1/2 cup dried orange or red lentils
• 6 teaspoons of Knorr Chicken Flavor Bouillon  ( check that it is gluten free or substitute with a gluten free chicken bouillon)
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 3 teaspoons powdered celery seed (I grind/powder celery seed in my vita mix or a coffee grinder)
• 2 teaspoons smoked Paprika
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt – I add this last teaspoon of salt after it has cooked.  Taste it and add salt if required.

Instructions:  Using a funnel and a completely dry mason jar :  
add the green split peas
add the yellow split peas
add the lentils
Place remaining seasonings into a mini zip lock bag.  Place bag of seasonings on top of the pea mixture.  Screw lid on tightly. 
To Use: Open jar.  Remove seasoning bag and set aside.  Pour peas and lentils into colander and rinse under cool running water.

 Slow Cooker method:  Place rinsed peas/lentils into large slow cooker.  Add the contents of the seasoning bag.  Add 12 cups water.  Stir .  Place lid on slow cooker and cook on High for 4-5 hours or Low for 12 hours Until peas are soft.  
Instant Pot method: Place rinsed peas/lentils into large instant pot or similar pot.  Add seasonings.  Add water.  Cook on the pressure cook option on high for 15 – 18 minutes (follow pressure cooking instructions that come with pot). When I did 18 minutes the peas and lentils were completely soft and once stirred it was like a pureed soup.  I like my peas to be soft and yet hold their shape – soup is not as thick that way.   Pressure cook for less time if you like a chunkier soup.

Optional:
Add diced smoked sausage or ham to soup before cooking.
**If you prefer to use only green or only yellow split peas just make sure the total still adds up to 3 1/2 cups dried peas.  I have made the same soup using only lentils ( 3-4 cups worth) – cooking time is less.**