5 PM Office Disconnect Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting bowl of soup that captures the sudden 'disconnection' of a device at day's end, featuring earthy root vegetables and creamy texture. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium carrots, medium parsnips, medium potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 2 medium carrots, 2 medium parsnips, and 2 medium potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1 medium onion and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large pot, combine diced vegetables, chopped onion, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth, or transfer to a regular blender in batches.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and heat gently for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, but do not boil.
  7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with extra thyme for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does 5 PM Office Disconnect Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 5 PM Office Disconnect Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 5 PM Office Disconnect Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 5 PM Office Disconnect Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 5 PM Office Disconnect Soup?

Mediterranean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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