Jean'S Tomato Florentine Soup
A hearty and flavorful tomato Florentine soup combining tender spinach, ripe tomatoes, and savory seasonings, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (46 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, chopped in blender ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant chopped onions
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon and pepper seasoning salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 cups shell macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except the shell macaroni to a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add shell macaroni and cook until tender.
- Adjust thickness with water or additional macaroni as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted canned tomatoes. You can substitute the frozen chopped spinach with fresh spinach, adding it towards the end of cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, ensure your tomato juice and sauce are free from animal products. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste—add crushed red pepper for heat or swap lemon and pepper seasoning for Italian herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jean's Tomato Florentine Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to complement the meal. For a heartier dish, consider pairing it with Pot Roast Beef. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can elevate the flavors, and a side of Cucumber Pickles Aristocrats adds a refreshing crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jean'S Tomato Florentine Soup contains roughly 1137 calories, with 42g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (388% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to cook the macaroni separately if you plan to reheat it later to avoid it getting mushy.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Yes! To add spice, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also use spicy tomato juice or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference for the perfect balance.
Can I freeze the soup for later use?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a little water if needed to restore consistency.
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).