Quick Cook: Make this Alphabet Soup for All Ages
This soup is the most requested by all three generations in my family because it has something for everyone — nostalgia for the grandparents, kale and hearty vegetables for the parents, and letter-shaped pasta for the kids.
It’s a forgiving recipe that is subject to toddler food preferences, refrigerator contents, and seasonal availability. But, aside from the obvious requirement that it be salted enough (please, PLEASE season your soup! ), the quality of the pasta and its preparation make or break this recipe.
I’ll only make this soup if I have a package of Eduardo’s Alfabeto pasta (made by Dolce Italia Foods) on hand, because the letters are large enough to identify in your mouth or, let’s be honest, splattered into sentences by first graders across the dinner table. Cook the pasta al dente in salted water and keep it separate from the soup until ready to serve. Ladle the soup over individual portions of the alphabet pasta to avoid them becoming mushy from the broth.
An Alphabet Soup for All Ages
Serves 10 to 12
INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
32-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
6 cups seasoned vegetable stock
¼ cup fresh chopped thyme, basil, oregano or parsley
Salt, pepper
16-oz package alphabet pasta, such as Eduardo’s
1 15-oz can white beans (cannellini, navy or butter)
DIRECTIONS
In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion for 5 to 7 minutes, or until it begins to turn translucent. Sauté the carrot and celery for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed after adding the canned tomatoes, stock, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Set aside after draining.
Simmer the beans and kale in the soup for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the kale turns bright green. Take the pan off the heat.
Fill one-third of each individual bowl with alphabet pasta. Pour hot soup into bowls and serve.
