📝 About This Recipe
This whimsical soup turns lunchtime into a playful learning adventure, featuring tender alphabet pasta swimming in a rich, golden vegetable broth. We've elevated the nostalgic classic with a 'hidden veggie' base of sweet carrots, celery, and leeks, ensuring every spoonful is as nutritious as it is fun. It is the ultimate comfort food for little explorers, offering a mild, savory flavor profile that warms the soul and encourages kids to eat their words—literally!
🥗 Ingredients
The Flavor Base
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (or extra-virgin olive oil)
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (very finely minced)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and cut into tiny 1/4-inch cubes)
- 2 pieces Celery Stalks (finely diced)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced into a paste)
The Golden Broth
- 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth (high-quality organic preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (for color and umami)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 piece Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
Pasta and Textures
- 1 cup Alphabet Pasta (dry)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Sweet Peas (thawed)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Sweet Corn (thawed)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (to brighten the flavors)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to shimmer.
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2
Add the finely minced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
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3
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste turns a deep brick red and smells fragrant.
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4
Slowly pour in the broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that's where the flavor is!).
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5
Add the bay leaf, dried parsley, and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
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6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the broth simmer for 10 minutes to allow the vegetable flavors to meld.
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7
Remove the lid and stir in the dry alphabet pasta. Keep the heat at a steady simmer.
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8
Cook the pasta for about 7-9 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as these tiny shapes can turn mushy quickly. Check a 'letter' at 7 minutes for doneness.
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9
Stir in the peas and corn during the last 2 minutes of the pasta cooking time just to heat them through.
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10
Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
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11
Stir in the lemon juice and half of the Parmesan cheese. Taste and add a tiny pinch more salt if needed.
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12
Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ensuring every child gets a good mix of letters and veggies.
💡 Chef's Tips
To prevent the pasta from soaking up all the broth if you have leftovers, cook the alphabet shapes separately and add them to individual bowls. Cut the vegetables very small (brunoise style) so they fit on a child's spoon alongside the pasta letters. If the kids are sensitive to 'green bits,' swap the dried parsley for a little celery salt or omit the herbs entirely. For a creamier version, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of buttery grilled cheese 'soldiers' for dipping. Pair with a crisp apple slinky or sliced pears for a sweet contrast. Top with a few goldfish crackers or oyster crackers for extra crunch. Serve in a colorful mug to make it easier for toddlers to handle. A cold glass of milk or a diluted fruit spritzer makes the perfect beverage pairing.