Plant Based Chicken Noodle Soup

Before I adopted a plant based diet homemade Chicken Noodle Soup was one of my favorites. Now I make the same soup just without the chicken. Sometimes I substitute prepared jackfruit but this soup is so satisfying that it doesn't really need it. It's really all about the noodles anyway. 

Plant Based Vegetable Noodle Soup

Time: 30min.

Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS: 

1 (12oz.) bag of frozen mirepoix OR

          - ½ cup frozen diced onion

          - ½ cup frozen diced celery

          - ½ cup frozen diced carrot

1 cup frozen diced onion

1 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves) 

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried parsley

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp powdered turmeric

dash of pepper

6 cups of water

6 tsp Better Than Bouillon (No Chicken Base) 

8oz. dried filini pasta (or angel hair pasta broken into 1 inch pieces) or ⅔ cup dried Israeli cous cous

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup prepared jackfruit (optional) 

2 cups very cold water

½ tsp salt

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a large pot over MEDIUM heat add mirepoix, onions, garlic and cook for 5-10 minutes until soft. Meanwhile measure out and add the dried spices to the pot and stir.

2. Add 6 cups water and turn the heat up to HIGH. Add the bouillon, stir, cover and bring to a boil.

3. Add the pasta, lower the heat to MEDIUM, cover and boil for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the jackfruit (if using), frozen peas & stir. Add ¼ tsp salt and 2 cups very cold tap water. This will help stop the noodles from overcooking. Wait a few minutes for the peas to be warmed through and serve. 

MAKE AHEAD FREEZER OPTION:
If you would like to make this and keep it ready in the freezer for a future dinner follow these directions.

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 except instead of 6 cups of water add only 2 cups.
2. Let cool completely and pour into an appropriate container and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.

4. To prepare the frozen soup, dump frozen mixture into large pot over MEDIUM heat, add 4 cups of water and cover. Break up and stir the frozen mixture as it thaws.Once it's thawed bring to a boil and finish the recipe starting at step 3.