from Soup’s On Around the World
This is one of my favorite childhood soups that my grandma (who I called Mémère) used to make with leftovers she had in her fridge. It’s simple, delicious, and healthy, and is only made better when followed by her homemade cinnamon buns. While this recipe has meat, I remember her making a vegetarian version, too.
Ingredients
3 tbsp butter
1 tbsp bacon fat (optional)
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup thinly sliced beef or chicken (uncooked or leftovers)
1 cup beef or chicken broth
1/2 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup white rice
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup frozen or canned corn niblets
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup finely sliced green cabbage
Small handful of spaghetti, broken into small pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and bacon fat (if using). Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned. Add the beef or chicken, and cook, stirring often, until mostly cooked through. (If using leftover meat, heat until warmed through).
Pour in the beef or chicken broth. Carefully add enough water to fill the pot three-quarters full and then bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the barley, and then the rice. Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, carrots, and cabbage. Return the mixture to a boil.
Add the spaghetti pieces. Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the barley, rice, and spaghetti are cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Nada’s Tips & Tricks: I love recipes like this because it gives you the base to use up whatever you have in the fridge. A great way to repurpose bits and pieces of vegetables and meat. Substitute cubed potatoes for the spaghetti and rice. Want to cut back on carbs? Remove the rice or spaghetti and add more vegetables.
Adapted with permission of the publisher from the book Soup’s On Around the World (Book 2: Taste the World series) written by Denyse Waissbluth, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne, and published by Greystone Kids in October 2025. Available wherever books are sold. https://greystonebooks.com/products/soup-time-around-the-world