Soups are one of my all-time favorite things to cook. There is a meditation for me in the chopping, measuring and stirring that goes into making a wonderful pot of soup. Like many of us, I don’t always have the time to make soup from scratch. I’ve also chatted with many folks who are intimidated by making soups and broths—they have a hard time getting the seasoning right so the soup doesn’t taste like bland dishwater.

I stumbled upon the idea of making broth mixes when I passed by some packaged mixes at the store. Why couldn’t I create my own and have them on hand to use in soups, for a basic broth, or even to mix in to pasta or ramen noodles? With a bit of experimenting, I came up with two very different yet tasty broth mixes—both nutritious and great as all-purpose seasoning mixes too!

These two recipes are made entirely from dried herbs and spices. You can create your own by swapping and experimenting or try them as is. They also make great gifts and I keep a jar of each in my desk drawer at work for a quick and nutritious bit of soup on the fly!

Vegetable Broth Mix

This makes approximately 1 cup of dried mix. Feel free to multiply for a bigger batch!

• 1 Tbsp organic Oregano leaf
• 1 Tbsp organic minced Onion - or - 1 tsp organic Onion powder
• 1 Tbsp organic Marjoram leaf
• 1 Tbsp organic Shiitake Mushroom powder
• 2 tsp organic Rosemary powder or 2 Tbsp organic Rosemary leaf
• 2 Tbsp organic Sage leaf
• 2 tsp organic Cilantro or organic Parsley 
• 2 tsp Red Alea Salt
• 1 ½ tsp organic Garlic granules
• 1 tsp White Pepper, ground
• 1 tsp organic Chive rings
• 1 tsp organic Alfalfa leaf
• 1 tsp organic Thyme leaf
• 3 Finely powdered Organic Bay Leaves  *or add whole leaf during preparation and remove before serving.

Combine all the herbs in a blender, spice grinder or food processor and process to desired consistency. If using powdered herbs, blending will be easier and quicker, but leaves and larger particles work fine too.

Store in a spice jar or Mason jar with a lid (or other sealed container.)

Add 1 teaspoon of broth mix to 1 cup of hot water. Simmer as long as you’d like (I sometimes add a teaspoon to my tea mug and pour 1 cup boiling water over, allow to steep for a few minutes, and drink like tea!)

If using as a base for soup, use approximately ½ cup of seasoning blend for 1 ½ - 2 quarts of soup or broth. Feel free to add vegetables, protein choice, rice, etc.

Sweet & Smoky Broth Mix

• 1 Tbsp organic Cumin powder
• 2 tsp organic minced Onion
• 2 tsp organic Lemongrass leaf
• 1 tsp organic Cilantro leaf
• 1 tsp organic Shiitake Mushroom powder
• 1 tsp organic Cinnamon powder
• 1 tsp organic Garlic granules
• ½ tsp organic Ginger powder
• ½ tsp organic Smoked Paprika powder
• ½ tsp Smoked Sea Salt
• ½ tsp organic Chili Flakes

 Combine all the herbs in a blender, spice grinder or food processor and process to desired consistency.

Store in a spice jar or Mason jar with a lid (or other sealed container.)

Add 1 teaspoon of broth mix to 1 cup of hot water.