French Country Soup
A hearty French country soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and noodles, flavored with herbs and cheese—perfect for comforting family meals and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water ⓘ
- 1 carrot, chopped ⓘ
- 1 zucchini, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small potato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small handful green beans, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, mashed ⓘ
- olive oil, butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup noodles ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans (with juice) ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, chopped or 1 lb. can tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- parsley leaves ⓘ
- basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and chop the vegetables: carrot, zucchini, celery, potato, and green beans.
- Saute mashed garlic in olive oil, butter, or margarine for 1 minute, then add the chopped vegetables and saute lightly.
- Drop the noodles into the boiling water while vegetables are sauteing.
- Pour the canned kidney beans with juice into the boiling noodles.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the stock with the noodles and beans.
- Chop parsley and basil leaves together and add to the soup.
- Add chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes with juice to the soup.
- Stir in grated Cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced cooked chicken or turkey or swap the noodles for quinoa or barley. Fresh herbs bring out the best flavors, so adjust the parsley and basil to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Using seasonal veggies will enhance the freshness of this dish, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French Country Soup warm with a sprinkle of extra grated Cheddar cheese on top. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. For a delightful twist, try it alongside 'Kitty'S' Peas And Rice for a wholesome meal. Garnishing with additional herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Country Soup contains roughly 1785 calories, with 74g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (272% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1401mg per serving (61% 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 make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, and feel free to add more broth if it thickens.
What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?
You can customize the soup by swapping in seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. If you have any leftover vegetables from previous meals, feel free to throw those in as well—it's a great way to minimize waste and enhance flavors.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the noodles with gluten-free pasta or omit them altogether for a low-carb version. You can also add more beans or vegetables to maintain substance in the soup without the gluten.
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).