Whether it’s during the mad rush of back-to-school activities, or looking for creative, nutritious ways to feed our families, soups generally make quick work of dinner.
Alphabet soup may be something you ate when you were a child. It’s nostalgic for me. Ours came in a red and white can, but I loved the novelty of it.
This homemade version is so much better. With each step, I add a big dash of love, even if I’m the only one eating it. It’s actually therapeutic to make. I always love cooking with fresh ingredients, and the sound of the pot simmering, with that slight amount of stem rising up, is healing in itself.
Alphabet, or A-B-C, pasta is found in my grocery store with dried pasta used in Mexican dishes, such as vermicelli or fideo. Other tiny pastas may be substituted, but aren’t nearly as cute.
A while back, I had the opportunity to make this soup for my grandson. I was so happy, I felt like my next version should be made with smiley face-shaped pasta. He was so cute trying to use his spoon. He had ABCs everywhere, even down inside the little pocket of his shirt under his bib, by the time he finished eating! My son said he was sure his little son had spelled out M-E-S-S. Be still my heart! It was a real treat to make this for him, mess and all.
It takes 20 to 25 minutes, start to finish. Serve saltine crackers on the side, or for a heartier meal, add a grill cheese sandwich.
Enjoy food made fresh!
Alphabet Soup
3 Roma tomatoes, quartered – *see note
½ onion, peeled and quartered
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (7-ounce) bag dried alphabet pasta
4 cups water, divided
Salt to taste
*Note: I typically use Roma tomatoes—they tend to be “meatier,” but I would try any variety you have an abundance of.
Place quartered tomatoes, onion, garlic, tomato paste, chicken bouillon, cumin, oregano, black pepper and 1 cup water into a blender or food processor. Pulse until pureed.
Heat oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add dry pasta and stir frequently over medium heat until pasta is toasted and light golden brown.
Add puree to toasted pasta. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining 3 cups water and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Makes 6 servings. Excellent with grilled cheese sandwiches!
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