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 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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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 should I serve with Albert Lea Housewares Soup?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
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.
