Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup

Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup Recipe with Olive Oil, Garlic, Mushrooms, Lentils, and More

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup is a versatile and delicious recipe that allows you to use up any leftover vegetables and ingredients you have on hand. This hearty and nutritious soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal that is both satisfying and comforting.

History

Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup has been a popular recipe for many years, as it allows home cooks to make use of any leftover vegetables and ingredients they have in their fridge. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste and create a delicious and nutritious meal at the same time.

Ingredients

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup thinly sliced scallions
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary or 1 tsp dried and crushed
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups vegetable stock

Add-Ins

2.5 cups frozen chopped spinach or other greens
1.5 cups diced zucchini or other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, etc.
12 cherry tomatoes, quartered (1 cup) or 1 medium tomato, diced
0.5 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
1.5 cups cooked small pasta (shells, bows, etc.)
1.5 cups cooked lentils or other legume

How to prepare

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté garlic and scallions for 2 minutes, or until tender.
Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes more, or until mushrooms begin to brown.
Stir in rosemary, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add stock, spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Add corn, pasta, and lentils; cook until heated; serve hot.

Variations

You can add in any leftover cooked meats or proteins you have on hand, such as chicken, beef, or tofu.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and ingredients to create your own unique version of this soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Feel free to customize this recipe with any vegetables or ingredients you have on hand. The more variety of vegetables you use, the more flavorful and nutritious the soup will be.

- You can also add in cooked grains like rice or quinoa to make the soup more filling and hearty.

- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this soup is to sauté the vegetables first to enhance their flavor before adding in the stock and other ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any vegetables or ingredients in this recipe with whatever you have on hand. This soup is very versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 250

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

4g per serving

Proteins

8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Please check for allergens in any specific ingredients you use.

Summary

Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and ingredients while creating a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Summary

Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup is a delicious and nutritious recipe that allows you to use up any leftover vegetables and ingredients you have on hand. This versatile soup is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal for a quick and satisfying dinner option.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for inspiration for dinner. As I shuffled through the faded index cards and tattered clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten note from my dear friend, Margaret.

Margaret was a culinary genius, always coming up with creative ways to use up leftovers and make delicious meals out of whatever ingredients she had on hand. The note read, "Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup: a delicious and easy way to use up all those odds and ends lurking in your fridge. Just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer away into a hearty and satisfying meal."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of such a recipe before, but the idea of turning random bits and bobs into a delicious soup sounded like a revelation. I immediately set to work, pulling out all the sad-looking vegetables, half-empty containers, and leftover meats from my fridge.

As I chopped and diced, I thought back to all the different places and people who had contributed to my vast collection of recipes. My grandmother's famous apple pie, my mother's secret spaghetti sauce, my aunt's mouth-watering lasagna – each one held a special place in my heart and a story behind it.

But this recipe, this Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup, felt different. It wasn't passed down through generations or learned from a renowned chef. It was a simple and practical solution to a common problem – what to do with all those leftovers that were too good to throw away but not quite enough for a full meal.

I tossed in some carrots and celery, a handful of diced onions, a couple of potatoes that were starting to sprout, and a few sad-looking mushrooms that were on the verge of going bad. I added some leftover chicken from last night's dinner, a bit of bacon from breakfast, and a splash of broth to bring it all together.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a comforting aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This recipe was a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity that had been passed down to me through the generations.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled out a steaming bowlful and took a tentative sip. The flavors were rich and complex, a harmonious blend of all the different ingredients that had come together in perfect harmony. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, a masterpiece of leftovers.

I called Margaret that evening to thank her for sharing the recipe with me. She laughed and said, "Oh, it's nothing special, just a little trick I picked up from my grandmother. The secret is to let go of perfection and embrace the chaos of the fridge. You never know what delicious surprises you might find in there."

And she was right. Clean-out-the-Fridge Soup became a regular feature on my dinner table, a versatile and forgiving recipe that could be customized to suit any palate. It was a reminder that sometimes the most delicious meals come from the most unexpected places, and that a little creativity and ingenuity can turn even the humblest of ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

So, the next time you find yourself staring into a fridge full of odds and ends, don't despair. Embrace the chaos, let go of perfection, and see what delicious surprises you can create with a little bit of inspiration and a whole lot of love.