Ad Lib Soup
A creamy, comforting soup made from leftover vegetables, blended with butter and seasonings for a quick, versatile meal suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into blender container.
- Cover and puree until smooth.
- Pour into saucepan; heat over medium heat until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or milk to the blender. If you don't have MSG, you can enhance the flavor with soy sauce or nutritional yeast. Feel free to experiment with different cooked vegetables based on what you have on hand. This recipe is versatile, so try incorporating ingredients from other vegetarian recipes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Ad Lib Soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of Lemon Meringue Pie(Excellent) for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ad Lib Soup contains roughly 517 calories, with 14g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 567mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of cooked ones?
While cooked vegetables provide a smoother texture, you can use fresh ones if you steam or sauté them first. This will soften them and enhance their flavor before blending. Just make sure they are tender to achieve the desired consistency in the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the Ad Lib Soup. Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
What can I add to make this soup heartier?
To add more substance, consider including cooked grains like quinoa or rice, or even some canned beans for protein. Chopped leafy greens can also be added just before serving for a nutritional boost and added texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).