Patchwork soup recipe
Cozy Up with Patchwork Soup: A Hearty Family Meal
Looking for a soup that’s both comforting and convenient? Our Patchwork Soup is the answer! This isn’t your typical soup recipe – it’s designed for simplicity and packed with wholesome ingredients. The name comes from the ‘patchwork’ of grains and legumes that create a wonderfully textured and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a potluck, or when you just need a hearty, no-fuss dinner.
This recipe is a bit different. Instead of layering ingredients in the pot, you build a flavor base in a jar before adding it to the beef and tomato sauce. This method ensures all the grains and legumes cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor. It’s a surprisingly easy way to create a complex and satisfying soup.
What makes this soup special?
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup – everything cooks together in one large pot.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses mostly dried goods, making it a great option when you’re stocking up.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Family-Approved: A hearty and filling meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Tips for the Best Patchwork Soup:
- Beef Choice: While we recommend beef, you could substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Broth Boost: For even more flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
- Slow Simmer: Don’t rush the simmering process. Allowing the soup to simmer gently for the full time allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become tender.
- Pasta Perfection: Keep an eye on the pasta during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! Patchwork Soup actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Is this soup vegetarian/vegan? Not as written, due to the beef and potential beef bouillon. You can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth and bouillon. For a vegan version, ensure your bouillon is plant-based.
- What kind of rice works best? Long-grain white rice is recommended, but you could also use brown rice (you may need to increase the simmering time).
- Can I add vegetables? Definitely! Diced carrots, celery, or potatoes would be delicious additions. Add them when you brown the beef.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and convenient Patchwork Soup as much as we do! It’s a perfect way to bring the family together around a warm and delicious meal.
Patchwork Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry split peas
- 1/3 cup beef bouillon granules or 12 bouillon cubes, crushed
- 1/4 cup pearl barley
- 1/2 cup dry lentils
- 1/4 cup dried onion flakes or 1 pkg. onion soup mix
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup uncooked stelline pasta
- 1 pound beef cut in 1 inch cubes
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 15 ounce cans tomato sauce
- 3 quarts water
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- In a 1 quart jar, layer the split peas, bouillon, barley, lentils, onion flakes, Italian seasoning, rice, and bay leaves. Wrap the pasta in plastic wrap, and place in the jar.
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef with pepper and garlic. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water and pour in contents of the jar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta, peas, lentils and barley are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
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