Garbage Soup Recipe
Description:
Garbage Soup is a genius budget stretcher recipe that not only minimizes waste but also maximizes flavor. It’s a culinary adventure where your potato peels become the heroes of the dish, transforming into a hearty broth that serves as the base for various soups. This recipe offers two methods: one that yields a clear broth ideal for any soup creation and another that results in a rich, pureed concoction perfect for utilizing leftover ingredients. Whether you’re aiming for a light consomme or a thick, vegetable-packed soup, Garbage Soup has got you covered!

Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Vegetable
- Keywords: Vegan, Free Of…, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 82.6
- Fat Content: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 100.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 19.5g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 8.5g
- Protein Content: 2g
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Onion | 6-7 |
Carrots | 1 |
Celery | 2 |
Garlic clove | 1 |
Dried parsley | 1 |
Water | 1 1/2 quarts |
Instructions:
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Preparation:
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe.
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Cooking:
- In a large pot, combine the onion, carrots, celery, garlic clove, dried parsley, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
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Simmering:
- Cover the pot and let the ingredients simmer for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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Method A – Clear Broth:
- After simmering, you have two options. The first method involves straining the broth to obtain a clear consomme.
- Reserve the strained broth for future use in soups or as a flavorful consomme. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- This clear broth can be frozen for later use, ensuring you always have a flavorful base on hand.
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Method B – Vegetable Puree:
- Alternatively, you can puree the cooked vegetables along with the liquid in the pot.
- This method results in a thicker, heartier soup base, perfect for incorporating additional ingredients like leftover veggies, chicken, or meat.
- Feel free to get creative with your additions, turning Garbage Soup into a delightful “clean-the-fridge” meal option.
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Adjustments:
- Regardless of the method you choose, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add more water if the soup has cooked down too much, but be mindful not to dilute the flavors excessively.
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Serving:
- Serve your Garbage Soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing goodness it provides.
Garbage Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a philosophy of resourcefulness and creativity in the kitchen. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a versatile soup base that’s both delicious and economical. Whether you opt for a clear broth or a hearty puree, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your kitchen scraps, and let Garbage Soup transform them into culinary gold! 🍲✨