Looking for a fun and nutritious way to get your kids excited about vegetables? Look no further than this Quick Kid Friendly Alphabet Soup with Hidden Veggies! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a colorful, delicious dish that not only delights little ones with its playful pasta shapes but also sneaks in a hearty serving of veggies they won’t even notice. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family lunch, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Dive into our easy-to-follow guide and discover how to create a meal that’s both wholesome and whimsical!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can vegetable broth
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all vegetables by finely dicing carrots and zucchini into small, uniform pieces to ensure quick cooking and easy blending for children.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, ensuring the pan is evenly coated with the oil.
- Add diced carrots first and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add diced zucchini to the pan and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing vegetables to become slightly tender.
- Pour the entire can of vegetable broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, add alphabet pasta and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing pasta to cook for approximately 8-10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- During the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped spinach, which will quickly wilt and incorporate into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though vegetable broth typically provides sufficient flavor.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to ensure child-friendly temperature.
- Ladle soup into bowls, making sure to distribute vegetables and pasta evenly for an appealing presentation.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can whip up the soup in no time during busy evenings.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the carrots and zucchini for other vegetables your kids enjoy, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers. The key is to keep the pieces small for easy eating.
- Broth Boost: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of Italian herbs to the vegetable broth for a little extra zing.
- Pasta Fun: Use whole grain or gluten-free alphabet pasta to cater to dietary preferences while keeping the fun shapes that kids love.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving, or stir in a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to make it extra rich.
- Serve with a Smile: Encourage your kids to create stories with their alphabet pasta while they eat. This makes mealtime not only nutritious but also a fun and imaginative experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
