Open a small Ziploc bag, and put in: one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of oregano, one teaspoon of garlic powder, two teaspoons parsley flakes, one tablespoon minced onion, one teaspoon chives. Seal the small bag and place inside a large Ziploc bag.

Add ½ cup of each of five types of beans to the large bag (you can use lentils, dried peas, navy beans, lima beans, white beans: really any type of dried beans or peas will work). Place a set of directions inside the bag. Seal the large bag.

Bean Soup—Basic Directions

Set aside the small plastic bag of spices. Use one of the following methods to prepare the beans for cooking.

Quick Soak Method–Rinse the beans in cold water and remove any damaged or discolored ones. Place beans in a large pot and cover them with 2 inches of water. Heat until boiling and let boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove beans from heat, cover, and let stand for one hour. Drain and rinse beans, then prepare soup.

Overnight Soak Method—Rinse beans in cold water and remove any damaged or discolored ones. Place beans in a large pot and cover them with 2 inches of cold water. Let stand overnight or at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse beans, then prepare soup.

Prepare the soup.
Place beans and 6 cups of water in a large pot. Cook beans gently for 1 ½-2 hours on low to medium heat. Keep beans covered with water; add more water during cooking if necessary. Add 2 more cups of water and the spices from the small plastic bag.

Add optional ingredients, such as carrots, celery, corn, potatoes, fresh or canned tomatoes, or pasta, if desired. Add salt and pepper to taste. The spice packet contains only cumin, oregano, garlic, parsley, onion, and chives.

Cook an additional 30 minutes.

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Notes:

Most of the supplies can be found at Sam’s, although beans may have to come from a grocery store. If you can find beans in bulk, go for it. Make sure kids wash their hands and use plastic gloves. Set up an assembly line on each side of a long table, with individual measuring or disposable spoons or cups in each bowl of spices and beans. Place a label with directions for each step in front of each bowl. If you run out of one ingredient before the others, don’t worry — just double up on another ingredient. Kids like to make gift cards to attach to the bags; this activity keeps half of them busy while the other kids are working the assembly line, and then they switch places.
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