Albert Lea Housewares Soup
A comforting slow-cooked vegetable soup with a hint of thyme, evoking the warmth of home-cooked meals from estate sale kitchens. This vegetarian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 35 minutes pairs Carrots, Celery, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Carrots
- 1/2 cup Celery
- 1/2 cup Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Diced potatoes
- 1 tbsp Chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 cup carrots, 1/2 cup celery, and 1/2 cup onion into 1/4-inch pieces, then mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat, add the diced vegetables and minced garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup diced potatoes, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pot.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 5: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Albert Lea Housewares Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Albert Lea Housewares 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 carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Albert Lea Housewares 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 Albert Lea Housewares 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 Albert Lea Housewares Soup?
Vegetarian slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
