Country Supper Soup
A hearty country-style soup combining savory bacon, fresh vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and adaptable with various seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb bacon ⓘ
- 2 cans onion soup ⓘ
- 1 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb diced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 9 cups water
- 1 can tomatoes or large can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 cup potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- pinch of thyme ⓘ
- pinch of marjoram ⓘ
- pinch of basil ⓘ
- 1 cup broken spaghetti noodles ⓘ
- parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut bacon into small pieces.
- Place all main ingredients (bacon, onion soup, celery, carrots, zucchini, bay leaf, water, tomatoes or tomato juice, potatoes, garlic, thyme, marjoram, basil) in a large soup kettle and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients (spaghetti noodles, lima beans, parsley flakes, Parmesan cheese) and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of water. You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version. If you don't have zucchini, yellow squash or green beans can work well. Adjust the herbs to your taste, and don't hesitate to add more vegetables like corn or peas for added nutrition. This soup pairs beautifully with Crustless Omelette for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Country Supper Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley flakes for a pop of color. It goes wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a light salad or a side of Pork Chops Diane for a comforting dinner. This hearty soup is perfect for cold evenings and is sure to please the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to thin it out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal. This soup freezes well too; just let it cool before portioning it out and freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Supper Soup contains roughly 427 calories, with 10g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (83% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of noodles instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with any pasta you prefer, such as macaroni or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require different cooking durations. For gluten-free options, consider using rice noodles or quinoa pasta, which will still provide a satisfying texture in the soup.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. Additionally, ensure the onion soup you choose is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may contain meat extracts.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the diced potatoes against the side of the pot and stir them back into the soup. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup and let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened. Adding a bit of cream or a roux can also help achieve a creamier 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).