Experience shows that the less stress you bring to the dinner table, the smoother the ride. Try this very simple, healthy, and nutritious Alphabet Soup. Serve with crusty bread and butter. Perhaps you garnish with a bit of popcorn to keep the kids interested. Hold a dinnertime spelling contest. Award the winner a tinfoil crown. Afterwards, freeze half the batch for a future fun dinner.
The History of Alphabet Soup
Who had the brilliant idea to make soup in the shapes of alphabetical letters? The earliest version of it appeared in the 1870s and 1880s in both European and American stores. They’re a cute gimmick and can help kids learn to read. The H.J. Heinz Company, in our home city of Pittsburgh, sold “Alphabetti Spaghetti,” but discontinued it in 1990 due to declining sales. However, you can still buy Alphabet Soup from brands like Amy’s and Campbell’s.
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Alphabet Soup
Description
Simple, healthy, and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 8 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
- 3–4 cups fresh or frozen veggies of choice
- 1 medium potato, peeled & chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 cup dry alphabet pasta
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a 5 quart (or larger) pot or Dutch oven. Add the garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, thyme, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add broth, vegetables, potato, bay leaf, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then add uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
- Serve soup warm and top with fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, use medium heat. Feel free to add more broth if needed.
Recipe by Alekka Sweeney
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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