Use-It-Up Soup (Easy Fridge-Cleanout Dinner)

A simple, cozy soup made from whatever you already have.

When your fridge has a little bit of everything — half an onion, a lone carrot, some leftover broth, a can of beans — this soup pulls it all together. It’s warm, cheap, flexible, and always hits the spot.

Ingredients (use what you have):

• 1–2 cups mixed veggies (onion, carrot, celery, peppers, greens — anything)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1–2 cloves garlic (optional)

• 3–4 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 1 can beans or 1 cup cooked pasta or both

• Salt + pepper

• Optional: lemon, herbs, parmesan, leftover meat

Instructions:

1. Sauté your veggies
   Chop whatever vegetables you have. Add to a pot with olive oil and sauté until they soften.

2. Add garlic (optional)
   Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in broth
   Add enough broth to cover your veggies. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add your “filler”
   Beans, leftover chicken, cooked pasta, rice — anything that makes it more filling.

5. Season well
   Salt, pepper, lemon, herbs — adjust to taste.

6. Serve warm
   Top with parmesan or olive oil if you want.

Why this soup works

• Uses random leftovers

• Cheap + filling

• Kid-friendly

• Works with any combination of veggies

• Takes 15–20 minutes