Frank'S Durn Good Chicken Soup Starter(With Zero Added Salt And Near Zero Fat.)
A hearty, flavorful chicken soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and grains, perfect for a light, nutritious meal that suits all ages and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup 1/4-inch cubed potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup slivered carrots ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen peas
- 10 oz frozen green beans ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives (dry) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (Spanish parsley) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup finely diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander ⓘ
- 1/3 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lentils ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pearled barley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup couscous (fine grained semolina) ⓘ
Instructions
- Get out an 8 to 10-quart soup pot.
- Put about 3 quarts of water in the pot and turn the heat to full.
- Add all ingredients to the soup pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables and grains are tender and flavors meld, about 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added richness, consider including a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the long grain rice with quinoa or brown rice for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, especially if using different brands of vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty Sourdough Bread(Made From Basic Sourdough Starter) for a satisfying meal. Top each bowl with fresh herbs like additional cilantro or chives for a burst of flavor. It also pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as the Fourth Of July Fruit Salad, to balance the savory elements of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frank'S Durn Good Chicken Soup Starter(With Zero Added Salt And Near Zero Fat.) contains roughly 955 calories, with 27g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (123% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 29g 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 add meat to this soup?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. Simply shred or cube the meat and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat through. This addition will enhance the soup's heartiness while still keeping it low in fat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers. You can also stir in some hot sauce at the end of cooking to adjust the spice level to your preference. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
What can I use instead of lentils?
If you don't have lentils on hand, you can substitute them with canned beans such as chickpeas or black beans. Just add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to warm through. This will still provide protein while keeping the soup nutritious and satisfying.
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).