Nancy'S Throwaway Soup
Nancy's Throwaway Soup is a hearty, flavorful chicken soup with vegetables, rice, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken fryer (about 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 carrots, pared and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, stuck with 2 cloves
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. leaf oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. long grain white rice ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. corn kernels ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chicken, celery, carrots, whole onion, bay leaf, oregano, salt, pepper, and water in a large kettle.
- Bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken to a platter.
- Boil the broth over high heat until reduced to 2 quarts.
- Strain the broth and return it to the kettle.
- Throw away the cooked vegetables.
- Stir in the rice, chopped tomatoes, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion.
- Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Add the corn kernels and okra.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken skin and bones.
- Cut the chicken meat into small cubes and add to the kettle.
- Bring the soup gently to a boil.
- Spoon into warmed soup bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If you're out of fresh vegetables, frozen mixed vegetables can be a great substitute. Additionally, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a fryer; just add it towards the end to heat through. This soup is versatile and can be adjusted based on your pantry staples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nancy's Throwaway Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Onion Bake for a comforting dinner option. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or as a nourishing lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Throwaway Soup contains roughly 1990 calories, with 49g protein, 452g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (452% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and iron (174% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 other types of meat for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even a whole cut-up chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked. This flexibility allows you to customize the soup based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
What can I do if I don't have fresh tomatoes?
If fresh tomatoes aren't available, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. Just drain them slightly before adding to the pot to avoid excess liquid. Alternatively, you can use tomato paste or sauce; however, reduce the quantity to maintain the soup's balance and avoid overpowering flavors.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate any leftover vegetables you have, such as spinach, zucchini, or even beans for extra protein. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all ingredients are tender and cooked through, making this dish even more 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).