Alphabet soup is a timeless classic that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to any meal. This vegetable-packed version is both hearty and healthy, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.
Filled with colorful veggies and tender pasta letters, it’s a delightful way to sneak in extra nutrients while enjoying a fun and playful dish. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this alphabet soup recipe is sure to please with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
Using fresh vegetables and a savory broth, this soup is easy to customize and can be adjusted to fit any dietary preference. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.
From the very first spoonful, you’ll appreciate the warmth and hominess this soup offers, making it a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable alphabet soup is:
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from a variety of fresh vegetables.
- Comforting: Warm and soothing, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little soul food.
- Kid-Friendly: The alphabet pasta adds a fun twist that kids adore, encouraging them to eat their veggies.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to vegan, gluten-free, or low-sodium diets.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Soup bowls
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the zucchini and green beans, stirring well to combine all the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried thyme and basil.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add the alphabet pasta and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: To keep the pasta from getting mushy, add it only in the last 10 minutes of cooking. If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: This recipe is already vegan, but if you want to add more protein, try stirring in some cooked chickpeas or lentils.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free alphabet pasta or small gluten-free pasta shapes to adapt this soup for gluten sensitivity.
Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand—corn, peas, or spinach work wonderfully.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a flavorful kick.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 3 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 450 mg (varies by broth) |
Vitamin A | 80% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable alphabet soup is delightful when paired with warm, crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad for a light and balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich or a side of roasted vegetables.
If you’re interested in exploring more wholesome vegetarian recipes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or dive into Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
Alphabet soup is more than just a fun meal for kids—it’s a nutritious, comforting, and versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. This vegetable-packed version brings fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques together for a satisfying bowl of warmth.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this recipe delivers flavors that are both familiar and nourishing.
Give this soup a try and feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables or herbs. It’s an excellent way to embrace healthy eating while enjoying a nostalgic meal.
For more inspiration on vegetarian cooking, don’t miss our other recipes like the Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Alphabet Soup Vegetable
Description: A comforting vegetable soup featuring alphabet pasta and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add thyme and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
- Add alphabet pasta and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook 2 more minutes.
- Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 30 g
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