Sunday Surprise Soup (Fly-by-the-Seat-of-Your-Pants Style)
Sunday Surprise Soup (Fly-by-the-Seat-of-Your-Pants Style)
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
½ head green cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups tomato sauce or marinara (bonus points if it has leftover meatballs or sausage)
2 pre-cooked Italian sausages and 2 meatballs (optional), sliced or crumbled
½ cup roasted peppers and onions (leftovers work perfectly)
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil (optional)
Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
1. Build the Base
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the kitchen smells like home.
2. Add the Broth and Cabbage
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped cabbage.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Stir in the Tomatoes and Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce (along with any surprise meatballs or sausage you might have discovered).
Stir to combine and continue simmering for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Roasted Vegetables
Stir in the roasted peppers and onions from yesterday’s meal.
They’ll bring a sweet, smoky note that makes the broth rich and layered.
5. Finish with Beans and Pasta
Add the cannellini beans and pasta.
Cook until the pasta is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
6. Taste and Season
Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or dried basil if desired.
Adjust to taste — it should be savory, slightly sweet, and comforting.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into warm bowls, making sure each serving gets a little of everything — vegetables, pasta, sausage, and beans.
Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your “happy accident” creation!
Cook’s Note
This recipe is proof that great food doesn’t always need a plan — sometimes it just needs curiosity and a wooden spoon. Every batch will be a little different, and that’s exactly what makes it special.