Soup vs. lasagna? the culinary debate ends with what is lasagna soup

Lasagna soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the comforting elements of lasagna with the convenience of a soup. It’s a versatile and customizable meal that can be enjoyed year-round. Unlike traditional lasagna, lasagna soup is made in a single pot, making it easier to prepare and serve.

Ingredients

The core ingredients of lasagna soup include:

• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Diced onions and bell peppers
• Crushed tomatoes
• Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Chicken or beef broth
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onions and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Break the lasagna noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the soup. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
6. Stir in the cheeses: Off the heat, stir in the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. Let stand for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and incorporated.

Variations

Lasagna soup can be customized to your liking by adding or removing ingredients. Some popular variations include:

• Spinach and mushroom lasagna soup: Add chopped spinach and sliced mushrooms to the soup.
• Vegetable lasagna soup: Omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and zucchini.
• White lasagna soup: Use a white sauce instead of crushed tomatoes.
• Gluten-free lasagna soup: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna soup can be served hot with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots. It can also be topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano.

Benefits of Lasagna Soup

• Convenience: Lasagna soup is a quick and easy meal to prepare, especially compared to traditional lasagna.
• Versatility: It can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary restrictions.
• Nutritious: Lasagna soup is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
• Comforting: The warm and hearty flavors of lasagna soup make it a comforting meal for cold weather or stressful days.

How to Make Lasagna Soup Ahead of Time

Lasagna soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. To do this:

1. Prepare the soup according to the instructions up to step 6.
2. Let cool completely.
3. Transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
4. When ready to serve, reheat the soup over medium heat until warmed through.

Tips for Making the Best Lasagna Soup

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles. They should be tender but still slightly firm.
• Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for longer or add some cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water).

Beyond Lasagna Soup: Other Lasagna-Inspired Dishes

If you love lasagna soup, you’ll also enjoy these other lasagna-inspired dishes:

• Lasagna roll-ups: Thinly sliced lasagna noodles rolled up with fillings, such as ricotta cheese, spinach, and meat sauce.
• Lasagna pizza: A pizza crust topped with lasagna ingredients, such as cheese, meat sauce, and vegetables.
• Lasagna casserole: A baked dish made with lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of broken noodles?
A: Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. However, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to fit in the pot.

Q: Can I freeze lasagna soup?
A: Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat over medium heat until warmed through.

Q: How can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?
A: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.