Hello, my lovely readers! Liliane here. Today, I have a meal that will make lunchtime exciting and nutritious—a Vegetable Alphabet Soup paired with crispy Sweet Potato Wedges! This dish is perfect for keeping kids entertained with every spoonful and provides them with a colorful variety of vitamins and minerals. With each letter they discover in their soup, they’ll be learning while enjoying delicious flavors!
What You’ll Need to Make This Fun & Nutritious Meal
Who doesn’t love a little fun with food? The alphabet letters add an interactive element that encourages kids to enjoy their veggies without a fuss. Plus, sweet potatoes have that natural sweetness kids adore, along with fiber and antioxidants to fuel their energy.
For the Vegetable Alphabet Soup You’ll need :
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
And for or the Sweet Potato Wedges:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Guide to a Delicious Meal!
1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and get that wonderful crispy exterior.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until the outside is golden and crispy. The sweetness of the potatoes combined with the savory seasonings makes for a kid-approved side dish!
2: Making the Vegetable Alphabet Soup
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen!
- Next, add the carrots and celery. Cook these for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors come together.
3: Adding the Broth and Vegetables
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the diced tomatoes, zucchini, and spinach, letting each veggie bring its own unique taste to the mix.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
4: Adding the Alphabet Pasta
1.Time for the fun part—adding the alphabet pasta! Pour it into the simmering soup and cook according to the pasta’s package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
2.Be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5: Garnishing and Serving
- Once the pasta is tender, your soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and a hint of freshness.
- Pair the soup with the golden-baked sweet potato wedges for a complete, delicious, and nourishing meal that the whole family can enjoy!
Health Benefits of This Meal
Let’s talk a bit about the benefits packed into this colorful dish! The alphabet pasta encourages kids to enjoy each bite while exploring letters, making mealtime more interactive. Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery provide essential nutrients—vitamin A for vision, vitamin C for immunity, and fiber for digestion. Meanwhile, sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene and fiber, both of which support growing bodies and boost energy levels.
Liliane’s Tips for Making It Fun & Engaging
- Create a Letter Game: Ask your child to find specific letters in their bowl. It’s a great way to reinforce alphabet learning while they eat!
- Add More Veggies: If your kids love exploring new flavors, feel free to add corn, green beans, or even some chopped bell peppers.
- Sweet Potato Dips: Kids often love dipping. You can serve the sweet potato wedges with a fun dip like Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light honey-mustard sauce for a special treat.
And there you have it! A heartwarming bowl of Vegetable Alphabet Soup with Sweet Potato Wedges that’s packed with flavor, color, and fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick, wholesome lunch or a cozy dinner option, this meal checks all the boxes for both nutrition and enjoyment. Your kids will love the alphabet adventure, and you’ll love the balanced ingredients in each bite!
I hope you have fun preparing and sharing this dish with your family. Don’t forget to tell me about your experience and share any fun twists you add. Until next time, happy cooking with love from Liliane!