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Cozy Leftovers Soup

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A flexible and comforting soup recipe that transforms leftover proteins, vegetables, and grains into a warm, satisfying meal perfect for busy Monday nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 cups cooked protein (shredded chicken, diced ham, or beans)
  • 2 cups mixed leftover vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans, diced potatoes, or any leftovers)
  • 1 cup cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (or fresh)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup cottage cheese or cream (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Dice any leftover veggies into bite-sized pieces. Shred or dice leftover protein if needed. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the broth and sprinkle in thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. (About 5 minutes)
  4. Incorporate leftovers: Add leftover proteins and vegetables. If using cooked rice, pasta, or quinoa, add now. Let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to marry flavors, keeping heat low to avoid overcooking.
  5. Add creaminess (optional): Stir in cottage cheese or cream for richness. For a smoother texture, puree part of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some chunks.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt or pepper if needed. If soup is too thick, stir in a splash of water or extra broth.
  7. Serve and garnish: Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

Use good-quality broth for best flavor. Thaw frozen vegetables before adding to avoid watery soup. Add pasta last or cook separately to prevent mushiness. For dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with coconut or cashew cream or omit. Soup stores well in fridge for 3 days and freezes up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftovers soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, quick dinner, leftover makeover, cozy soup, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/cozy-leftovers-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food-for-mondays/