Alphabet Soup
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Alphabet Soup. As a child, I remember my mother making this delightful dish on chilly afternoons. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the fun shapes of the pasta made it an instant favorite. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an adventure, a chance to spell out my name in noodles and create whimsical stories as I ate. For me, Alphabet Soup has always represented comfort and joy, a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked meals filled with love and laughter.
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
15 mins
30 mins
Medium
350 kcal
25 g
Gluten-Free, AIP, Low FODMAP
15 g
Blender, Large Pot, Saucepan, Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Wooden Spoon
The Charm of This Alphabet Soup
A Perfect Family Meal
One of the best aspects of Alphabet Soup is its ability to bring the family together. It’s not just food; it’s a shared experience. Everyone can customize their bowls, adding more of their favorite ingredients or simply enjoying it as it is.
Easy to Make
This recipe is straightforward enough that even novice cooks can create a delicious meal. With just a few steps, you can have a hearty soup ready to serve in no time. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights!
Nutritious and Wholesome
Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, Alphabet Soup is a great way to get your daily vitamins. The broth is rich and flavorful, making each spoonful satisfying. Plus, the fun shapes of the pasta entice even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Ingredients
You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you want to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini or swap out the protein, this soup is incredibly forgiving and can be tailored to your family’s tastes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual lunch, a cozy dinner, or a family gathering, Alphabet Soup fits the bill. Its playful nature makes it ideal for kids, while adults can appreciate the depth of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Everything You Need for Alphabet Soup
The ingredients for Alphabet Soup work harmoniously to create a nourishing and delightful dish. The base is a flavorful broth packed with nutrients from vegetables, complemented by the fun shapes of the pasta. Each ingredient not only adds its unique taste but also contributes to the overall texture and enjoyment of the soup.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing the onions and infuses the soup with flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 56 oz tomatoes (2 cans): The heart of the soup, providing acidity and sweetness.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The liquid base that brings all the flavors together.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: An aromatic herb that adds warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the tomato flavor beautifully.
- 1 slice sandwich bread: Adds body to the soup and can be blended for a creamy texture.
- 3 tablespoons milk: Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A healthy protein option that makes the soup hearty.
- 1 large egg: Binds the meatball mixture together.
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt: Infuses the meatballs with flavor.
- 1 cup alphabet pasta or short cut pasta: The fun element that makes this soup special.
How to Prepare Alphabet Soup
Preparing Alphabet Soup is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps to create a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
- Start by placing a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pot, allowing it to warm up.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the onion turns tender and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell the sweetness of the onion filling your kitchen.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step is crucial as garlic burns quickly; you want it to become fragrant without turning brown.
- Add in the canned tomatoes along with chicken broth, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried thyme and basil. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. The tomatoes should break down slightly in this process.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- While the soup simmers, break the sandwich bread into small pieces and place them into a large bowl. Pour in the milk and let it soak for 1 to 2 minutes. This will help create a moist texture for your meatballs.
- In a separate bowl, combine the soaked bread, ground turkey, egg, and garlic salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. You should have about 20 to 25 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the tomato soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. This is where the magic happens, transforming the soup into a creamy delight.
- Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to poach gently in the flavorful liquid.
- Finally, stir in the cooked alphabet pasta and mix well. Let it warm through for a few more minutes before ladling the soup into bowls.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors in each bite!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta separately if you prefer a firmer texture. Adding it directly to the soup may lead to a mushy consistency if it sits too long.
- Adjusting Flavor: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
- Choosing Broth: If you want a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth or a low-sodium version to keep it healthier.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Alphabet Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days but may thicken over time.
- Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Pairing: Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Make a large pot and freeze portions for quick meals later.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup.
Serving Options for Alphabet Soup
When it comes to serving Alphabet Soup, there are so many delightful options to explore:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch.
- Pair with Grilled Cheese: A classic combination that never goes out of style; the gooey cheese complements the soup perfectly.
- Family Gatherings: This soup is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. Set up a soup station with various toppings!
- Lunch Box Treat: Pack leftovers in thermoses for a wholesome lunch that kids will love.
- Seasonal Serving: Enjoy this soup all year round, but it’s especially comforting during the colder months.
- Make It Interactive: Set out bowls of different toppings, like croutons, shredded cheese, or diced veggies, and let everyone customize their soup.
FAQ
Conclusion
The beauty of Alphabet Soup lies in its simplicity and nostalgia, bringing warmth and joy to every meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, its playful nature and rich flavors will surely please your taste buds. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and create your own magical moments around the table!
Alphabet Soup
Equipment
- Blender
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 56 oz tomatoes 2 cans
- 6 cups chicken broth
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 slice sandwich bread
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1 cup alphabet pasta or short cut pasta
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium heat. Pour in olive oil and sauté onion for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
- Pour in tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, granulated sugar, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer and cover.
- Break sandwich bread into bite-sized pieces and place into a large bowl. Stir together with milk and soak for 1-2 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients for meatballs until incorporated. Roll into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Using an immersion blender, puree tomato soup until completely smooth. Drop meatballs into simmering broth to poach and cook 5 minutes.
- Add in cooked alphabet pasta and stir. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days but may thicken over time.
- Tip 2: You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Tip 3: Consider serving with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Tip 4: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Make a large pot and freeze portions for quick meals later.
- Tip 5: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup.
