📝 About This Recipe
This whimsical soup turns mealtime into a playful learning adventure, featuring tender letter-shaped pasta swimming in a rich, veggie-packed tomato broth. It’s a nostalgic comfort classic elevated with fresh aromatics and hidden nutrients, making it as satisfying for parents as it is for little ones. Each spoonful offers a colorful mosaic of garden vegetables, ensuring a wholesome, heartwarming bowl that spells out 'delicious' in every bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion (finely minced to blend in)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and cut into small 1/4 inch dice)
- 1 stalk Celery (finely diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 cups Vegetable or Chicken Stock (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can (8 oz) Tomato Sauce (plain, smooth texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 piece Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (finely ground)
The Fun Stuff
- 1 cup Alphabet Pasta (dry letter-shaped pasta)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Sweet Corn (thawed)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
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2
Add the finely minced onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
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3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown or turn bitter.
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4
Pour in the stock and the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
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5
Add the dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
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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
Stir in the dry alphabet pasta. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer.
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8
Cook the pasta for about 7-9 minutes (check package directions). Be sure to stir every few minutes so the small letters don't stick to the bottom of the pot.
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9
When the pasta is nearly 'al dente', add the frozen corn and peas. These only need about 2 minutes to heat through and stay bright green.
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10
Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the soup and add a pinch more salt if needed.
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11
Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ensuring every child gets a good variety of letters to play with.
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12
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of Parmesan cheese before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
Don't overcook the pasta; the letters are very small and can become mushy quickly if left in the hot broth too long. If you plan on having leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls to prevent the letters from soaking up all the broth. For picky eaters, you can pulse the sautéed onions, carrots, and celery in a blender with a bit of broth before adding the pasta. Feel free to swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand, like green beans or zucchini diced to the size of a pea. If the soup becomes too thick the next day, simply thin it out with a splash of extra broth or water when reheating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with classic grilled cheese soldiers (strips) for dipping. A side of crunchy oyster crackers or goldfish crackers adds a fun texture. Pair with a crisp apple slices or a small fruit cup for a balanced kid-friendly meal. Offer a 'squeeze of sunshine' by providing a small lemon wedge to brighten the tomato broth. Serve in colorful mugs to make it easier for small hands to handle.