Clean Out the Fridge Soup
Transform your leftovers into culinary gold with this hearty and endlessly customizable Clean Out the Fridge Soup. Perfect for reducing food waste, this recipe is a one-pot wonder that brings together whatever ingredients you have on hand—think vibrant mixed vegetables, your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, beans, or even last night’s roast), and versatile starches like rice, pasta, or potatoes. With aromatic sautéed onion and garlic, a comforting broth base, and a sprinkle of herbs for depth, this soup is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that can be tailored to suit dietary preferences or what’s left in your crisper drawer. Serve it steaming hot with crusty bread, and enjoy a cozy, waste-free meal packed with flavor and nourishment.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups mixed vegetables
- 2 cups protein of choice (cooked chicken, beef, tofu, beans, etc.)
- 6 cups broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup starch of choice (rice, pasta, potatoes, or lentils)
- 2 cups greens (spinach, kale, or similar, optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add them to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Chop any vegetables you wish to use into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pot and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
Stir in your choice of protein. If using uncooked protein (e.g., raw meat), make sure to cook it thoroughly before proceeding.
Pour in the broth and add the dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
If you're adding a starch like rice, pasta, or lentils, add it now, and cook according to the time specified on the packaging (usually 10-15 minutes). If using potatoes, dice them and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
Once the starch is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
If using greens, stir them in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to wilt.
Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers, if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1912 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.0 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.0 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 405 mg | 135% | |
| Sodium | 8125 mg | 353% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 176.7 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.4 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.4 g | ||
| Protein | 181.8 g | 364% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 496 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 16.3 mg | 91% | |
| Potassium | 3988 mg | 85% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
