Below is a complete, cleanly formatted recipe guide for Amish Snow Day Soup, with no wide line separators (no “—” or long rule lines).
Introduction
Amish Snow Day Soup is a cozy, heartwarming dish traditionally made in Amish communities during cold winter storms. Simple ingredients, slow simmering, and wholesome nourishment make it a beloved comfort meal for families waiting out snowy weather together.
Origin and Cultural Significance
This soup reflects the Amish values of simplicity, frugality, and togetherness. During snow days—when chores paused, schools closed, and travel stopped—families gathered indoors and prepared meals from pantry staples. Snow Day Soup emerged as a way to warm the home, feed a crowd, and bring comfort during winter’s coldest moments. Its popularity endures beyond Amish communities because of its versatility and nostalgic charm.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves 6–8
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Optional Additions
- 1 cup shredded cabbage for extra heartiness
- ½ cup heavy cream to make it creamy
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Leftover roast beef or ham instead of ground meat
- Fresh herbs like dill or thyme
Tips for Success
- Brown the meat thoroughly to build flavor.
- Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Add pasta during the last 10–12 minutes to prevent mushiness.
- If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add before serving.
- Adjust seasonings at the end to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in broth and water. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add potatoes, diced tomatoes, mixed vegetables, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 20–25 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Add pasta and cook an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Serve warm with bread or biscuits.
Description
Amish Snow Day Soup is thick, cozy, and packed with nostalgic charm. Tender potatoes, savory meat, sweet vegetables, and soft pasta come together in a broth that is both hearty and soothing. It’s the kind of soup that makes a winter evening feel warm and inviting.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
(Values vary based on ingredient choices.)
Conclusion
Amish Snow Day Soup stands as a reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. Whether served during a quiet snowy afternoon or as an easy weeknight dinner, it brings warmth, nourishment, and a sense of home.
Recommendation
Enjoy this soup with warm bread, cornbread, or Amish-style buttered noodles. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or unexpected chilly days.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This soup can be both indulgent and wholesome. Using lean meats, whole-grain pasta, fresh vegetables, and low-sodium broth transforms it into a nourishing yet satisfying dish. It embraces the balance of comfort and health—allowing you to enjoy every spoonful without compromise.
If you’d like, I can format this as a printable recipe card or add variations (creamy version, vegetarian version, slow cooker version, etc.).