For the soup mix

* 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon good-quality beef bouillon granules (may substitute vegetable bouillon granules)
* 3 tablespoons minced dried onions
* 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped dry-packed (not oil-packed) sun-dried tomatoes (may substitute chopped freeze-dried tomatoes or dried sweet pepper pieces or dried chives, or a combination)
* 1 1/4 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
* 1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves (may substitute dried thyme leaves)
* 1/2 teaspoon dried minced garlic (may substitute garlic powder; do not use garlic salt)
* Scant 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (may substitute 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper)
* 1/4 cup uncooked pearl barley
* 1/4 cup dried red or brown lentils
* 1/4 cup dried green or yellow split peas
* 1/4 cup dried kidney beans
* 1/4 cup dried cannelloni beans or great northern white beans
* 1/2 cup dried medium-size macaroni, penne or corkscrew pasta

For the soup

* 1 container soup mix
* 9 cups hot water, plus more as needed
* 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped mixed fresh or frozen vegetable medley, such as celery, bell pepper, zucchini and onions
* 1/2 cup diced ham, hard salami, pepperoni or smoked turkey, optional
* Salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* Freshly grated Parmesan cheese , for garnish (optional)