Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Base & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Noodles & Seasoning
- 1 cup alphabet noodles
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional), chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and finely chop the carrots, celery, and spinach (or other preferred veggies). Smaller pieces ensure even cooking and enhance the broth’s natural sweetness.
- Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the chopped vegetables and cook until they soften slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Alphabet Noodles: Add the alphabet-shaped noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions (usually 5 to 7 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Stir gently, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use homemade vegetable broth for richer flavor and fewer preservatives.
- Add noodles last to avoid overcooking and preserve their shape.
- Stir in fresh herbs at the end to keep their bright flavors intact.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent texture and even cooking.
- Reserve extra broth to thin the soup if it thickens after standing.
- Consider freezing soup and noodles separately to maintain noodle texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan (if no animal-based broth used), Gluten Free (if gluten-free noodles used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: alphabet soup, vegetable soup, kid-friendly soup, healthy soup, easy soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup