Soup's On

Homemade soup is one of my absolute favorite frugal dinners. It’s tasty, nutritious, and costs practically nothing. Even better, the fragrance of homemade soup simmering away on the stove is just about the coziest, most welcoming smell in the world. A big bowl served with homemade bread, biscuits, or muffins is the perfect hearty dinner for a cold winter’s day!

Thankfully, homemade soup is incredibly easy to make. Fill a large pot with chicken, beef, or turkey bones, plus any vegetable peelings you have on hand. Sprinkle liberally with your favorite spices, and cover with water. Simmer over medium-low to medium heat for at least an hour. Drain through a sieve that has been lined with a cheesecloth (actually any damp piece of cloth will do—I use fabric from an old T-shirt!)

Return the broth to the pot and add whatever you have on hand that sounds good to you. Add vegetables and meat first. After they’ve simmered over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, add your choice of starch (Donnie’s and my favorite is spiral-shaped Rotelle pasta!) If your starch is already cooked, don’t leave the pot on the stovetop too long. Three or four minutes—just enough time to warm your rice, noodles, or potatoes—should be enough. Serve with homemade bread, biscuits, or muffins.