Most soup mixes are generally made from quick cooked pulses and grains, or partially cooked pulses.  Soup mix does not generally require soaking, however I would recommend you read the packet carefully to ensure that this is the case for the mix you have purchased.

Is soup mix gluten free?

Most soup mixes contain barley.  Barley is not a gluten free grain.  If you require a gluten free mix, either purchase a blend that is specifically labelled as gluten free or make your own given the proportions I have given above.

Can you put soup mix in the slow cooker

Yes you can.  Soup mix is perfect for using in the slow cooker.  This recipe is case in point.

How long is dry soup mix good for?

Dry soup mix can be stored in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to 12 – 18 months. Split peas can be tougher to rehydrate as they age, so if your soup mix is old I recommend you soak the soup mix overnight prior to use.

Tips and Tricks For A Delicious Slow Cooker Soup

This recipe will make a lot of soup, so it is ideal for feeding a crowd or for stocking the freezer.  I leave you with a few extra tips to help you make the most delicious soup for dinner:

• A ratio of 1 cup of soup mix to six cups of stock will produce a thick, hearty soup.  Add a little less soup mix if you want a thinner soup.
• If you are short on time, don’t bother browning the onions and garlic.  This is an additional step I like to take to maximise flavour in the slow cooker but it is not necessary.
• And if you are really short on time, cut up all the vegetables the night before.  In the morning just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker.  Dinner will be done in less than five minutes.
• The soup will thicken on standing or freezing.  Add a little extra water or stock when reheating to return it to a soup consistency.
• Freeze any leftovers in meal sized portions for ready made lunches and dinners.  Make sure you check out my post on how to freeze soup for further tips.

Other Soup Recipes That You May Enjoy.

I love soup. It is my favourite meal for those busy weeknights in winter when everybody wants to eat at different times. Soup is happy to be kept warm, can be easily reheated and most soups freeze brilliantly so I always make extra so I can stock the freezer. You can find all of my soup recipes here, but some of my favourite winter soups are:

And make sure you also check out all of my slow cooker recipes, which can be found here.

Enjoy!