We love diving into hearty soups that warm us up on chilly days, and our Tag Soup recipe is a true standout. This comforting dish blends simple, everyday ingredients into a flavorful bowl that’s both nourishing and satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or quick meals.
Originating from humble kitchen traditions, Tag Soup offers a versatile twist on classic recipes that we’ve refined over time. We’ll guide you through the basics, ensuring it’s easy to whip up and customize to your taste.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy staple or a new favorite, this recipe promises delicious results every time.
Ingredients
For our comforting Tag Soup, we select simple, everyday ingredients that deliver a nourishing blend of flavors, building on the humble kitchen traditions we highlighted earlier. These components come together effortlessly to create a versatile, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
To prepare the soup in sequence, start with the base aromatics, followed by vegetables, proteins, liquids, and seasonings. Here’s our curated list, with prep notes for accuracy:
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely diced, to form the flavorful base as we sauté it first.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, added right after the onion for a fragrant foundation.
- Carrots: 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds, incorporated next for their natural sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces, to add crunch and depth alongside the carrots.
- Tomatoes: 4 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of 14.5 oz diced tomatoes), stirred in for a juicy, tangy element.
- Beans: 1 can (15 oz) of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, included as a hearty protein source.
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups, low-sodium, poured in to simmer and unify the flavors.
- Herbs and spices: 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, sprinkled in for seasoning toward the end.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, used for sautéing the initial ingredients to enhance their taste.
This selection ensures our Tag Soup remains easy to customize while staying true to its roots in everyday cooking.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our flavorful Tag Soup efficiently, we rely on a few essential tools that make the process smooth and enjoyable. These items help us chop, simmer, and stir the ingredients like onions, garlic, carrots, and beans into a nourishing blend.
Here’s a list of the key tools we’ll need, organized by their role in the preparation:
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely chopping vegetables such as carrots and celery, ensuring even pieces that cook uniformly.
- Chef’s Knife: Our go-to for precise slicing and dicing of aromatics like onion and garlic, which form the flavorful base of the soup.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for simmering the low-sodium vegetable broth and proteins like cannellini beans, allowing for even heat distribution to develop rich flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the herbs and spices into the mix without scratching the pot, helping us achieve a well-blended, satisfying texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of ingredients, such as broth and spices, to maintain the soup’s balanced taste.
- Can Opener: A simple tool for opening canned items like beans, saving time while keeping our preparation hygienic and straightforward.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from gathering ingredients to the cooking steps, creating a cozy Tag Soup that’s both delicious and effortless.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through crafting our nourishing Tag Soup step by step. We’ll ensure every instruction is clear and precise for a flavorful, comforting result.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our ingredients to build a solid foundation for the soup’s rich flavors. Begin by rinsing and chopping the vegetables: dice 1 large onion and mince 3 garlic cloves for the aromatic base; slice 2 carrots and chop 2 celery stalks into even 1/2-inch pieces to enhance the soup’s hearty texture. Next, drain and rinse a 15-ounce can of cannellini beans to remove excess sodium, promoting a cleaner taste. Measure out 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and gather your herbs—like 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon oregano—to infuse the soup with earthy notes. This preparation sets the stage for a seamless cooking process, making our Tag Soup both efficient and delicious.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now cook the soup to develop its savory depths and comforting aroma. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic; stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant, releasing an irresistible scent that fills the kitchen. Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery, cooking for another 5 minutes to soften them and blend the flavors. Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, the drained cannellini beans, and your herbs and spices; bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-25 minutes. As it simmers, the soup will thicken slightly, allowing the ingredients to meld into a warm, soul-satisfying harmony that highlights Tag Soup’s classic appeal.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, we’ll assemble and serve our Tag Soup to bring out its vibrant flavors and ensure it’s ready for the table. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrients—about 2 cups wilted in for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnishing each with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added visual appeal and zest. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side, savoring the soup’s hearty warmth and nourishing blend that makes it a versatile family favorite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Tag Soup recipe is its make-ahead potential, allowing us to prepare a nourishing batch that tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. We recommend these steps to streamline your meal planning while keeping the soup’s hearty, comforting essence intact.
Preparing the Soup in Advance
To make our Tag Soup ahead, we follow the standard preparation steps up to the simmering stage. After sautéing the aromatics and adding vegetables, broth, and seasonings, bring the mixture to a simmer as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Once it reaches a gentle boil, remove it from heat instead of serving immediately. This pause helps preserve textures and prevents overcooking.
- Cooling the Soup: Let the soup cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial to avoid condensation, which can dilute flavors and affect storage.
- Portioning for Flexibility: Divide the cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. We suggest portioning into single servings for easy reheating, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage ensures our Tag Soup remains fresh and flavorful. Use these methods based on how soon you plan to enjoy it:
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to maintain the soup’s vibrant, earthy taste.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Tag Soup freezes exceptionally well, locking in its blend of simple ingredients like cannellini beans and herbs.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-4 days | Keep it below 40°F (4°C) and stir before reheating to redistribute flavors. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the soup’s tender vegetables and rich broth. |
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
When we’re ready to serve our make-ahead Tag Soup, reheating should be gentle to retain its nourishing qualities. Transfer the desired portion to a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a simmer—about 5-10 minutes for refrigerated soup or 15-20 minutes for frozen.
- Enhancements: Freshen it up by adding a handful of chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon just before serving to boost the soup’s bright, satisfying profile.
- Customization Tip: If the soup thickens during storage, thin it with a splash of vegetable broth to achieve the original consistency, ensuring every bowl is as delicious and effortless as the first.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Tag Soup recipe as a simple way to bring warmth to your table. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a customizable staple that nourishes and delights.
We’re sure you’ll find it becomes a go-to favorite, adding ease to your busy days while delivering comforting flavors every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tag Soup?
Tag Soup is a comforting, nourishing dish ideal for chilly days or family meals. It combines simple, everyday ingredients like vegetables, beans, and herbs to create a customizable, hearty soup rooted in traditional kitchen practices. Perfect as a cozy staple, it’s easy to tweak for personal tastes and delivers satisfying flavors in every bowl.
What ingredients are needed for Tag Soup?
The main ingredients for Tag Soup include onion, garlic, carrots, celery, cannellini beans, low-sodium vegetable broth, and a mix of herbs and spices. These everyday items blend to provide a nourishing base, allowing for easy customizations like adding your favorite veggies or proteins to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How do I prepare Tag Soup?
To prepare Tag Soup, start by sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic in a pot. Add vegetables such as carrots and celery, then pour in broth and beans. Simmer the mixture to develop rich flavors, adjust seasoning as needed, and garnish with fresh herbs. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes and serves 4-6 people easily.
What tools are required to make Tag Soup?
You’ll need basic kitchen tools like a cutting board and chef’s knife for prepping ingredients, a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a can opener for beans. These essentials make preparation efficient and straightforward.
Can Tag Soup be made ahead of time?
Yes, Tag Soup is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare it fully, then cool and portion into containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. This method keeps it fresh and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy on busy days.
How should I store and reheat Tag Soup?
After cooling, store Tag Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short bursts. Add fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving to refresh flavors and maintain its nourishing quality.