Helen'S Soup
A hearty, vegetable-packed soup featuring chicken broth, tomato juice, and pasta, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chicken broth and tomato juice and bring to a boil.
- Add dried celery flakes, dried parsley flakes, frozen Spanish vegetables, small macaroni shells, minced onion, and Italian salad dressing mix.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes or until macaroni is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned for a richer taste. You can substitute the frozen Spanish vegetables with any mixed vegetables you have on hand, such as peas and carrots. If you prefer a heartier soup, add cooked chicken or beans. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add more herbs for freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Helen's Soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This soup pairs beautifully with Poppy Seed Chicken(Good Over Rice) for a comforting family dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra broth to prevent the soup from becoming too thick. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Helen'S Soup contains roughly 210 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% 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 frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the soup with the other ingredients. Fresh vegetables will need a little more time to cook, so you may want to simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make Helen's Soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can keep the other ingredients the same, and it will still be delicious and hearty without the meat.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you want to add some heat to the soup, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the dried herbs. You can also use spicy Italian dressing mix instead of the regular one for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your preference!
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).